CITROEN C3 (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 27,170 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
27,170
Avg Mileage
78,633 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,827
Is the 2012 CITROEN C3 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 12 years old, 74% of CITROEN C3s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 27,170 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 78,633 miles.
How does the 2012 CITROEN C3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 CITROEN C3 has 78,633 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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%. The 2012 sits between the two at 74%.
How much does a 2012 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 2012 CITROEN C3
The 2012 CITROEN C3 is a small family car with a 1560cc petrol engine. 27,170 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 83% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 78,633 miles at 12 years old, CITROEN C3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 CITROEN C3 Fuel Costs
The 1560cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2012 CITROEN C3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,827 (£152/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2012 CITROEN C3
At 12 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 27,170 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2012 CITROEN C3
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2014) 76% pass rate (+2%) from 141,747 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2013) 78% pass rate (+4%) from 132,292 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2013) 72% pass rate (-2%) from 84,989 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2011) 75% pass rate (+1%) from 79,721 tests