CITROEN C3 (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 5,188 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Total Tests (2024)
5,188
Avg Mileage
87,266 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,690
Is the 2003 CITROEN C3 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 21 years old, 66% of CITROEN C3s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 5,188 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 87,266 miles.
How does the 2003 CITROEN C3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 CITROEN C3 has 87,266 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a CITROEN C3?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 66%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 2003 CITROEN C3 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
CITROEN C3 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 95% | 2,263 | 22,520 mi |
| 2020 | 92% | 8,971 | 27,660 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 21,008 | 34,490 mi |
| 2018 | 87% | 27,579 | 42,489 mi |
| 2017 | 83% | 26,229 | 48,621 mi |
| 2016 | 81% | 14,550 | 49,050 mi |
| 2015 | 80% | 20,260 | 57,154 mi |
| 2014 | 78% | 23,397 | 63,397 mi |
| 2013 | 75% | 23,764 | 72,482 mi |
| 2012 | 74% | 27,170 | 78,633 mi |
| 2011 | 72% | 28,478 | 86,832 mi |
| 2010 | 70% | 34,884 | 92,470 mi |
| 2009 | 70% | 18,371 | 90,369 mi |
| 2008 | 69% | 9,548 | 82,491 mi |
| 2007 | 69% | 10,339 | 83,180 mi |
| 2006 | 69% | 9,119 | 82,871 mi |
| 2005 | 68% | 7,830 | 85,484 mi |
| 2004 | 68% | 6,480 | 84,830 mi |
| 2003 | 66% | 5,188 | 87,266 mi |
| 2002 | 67% | 1,745 | 92,973 mi |
Checking a specific CITROEN C3?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 CITROEN C3
The 2003 CITROEN C3 is a small family car with a 1398cc diesel engine. 5,188 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 85% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 87,266 miles at 21 years old, CITROEN C3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 CITROEN C3 Fuel Costs
The 1398cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2003 CITROEN C3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,690 (£141/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
CITROEN C3 Reliability Trend
Newer CITROEN C3s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 CITROEN C3
At 21 years old, the CITROEN C3 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. With 5,188 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2003 CITROEN C3
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2005) 70% pass rate (+4%) from 48,429 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2005) 72% pass rate (+6%) from 41,401 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2005) 68% pass rate (+2%) from 30,507 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2005) 69% pass rate (+3%) from 29,377 tests