CITROEN C3 (2017)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 26,229 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,555
£130/month
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 5-15
1199cc Petrol
Solid Option
83% pass rate, £1555/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 9 years old, 83% of CITROEN C3s from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 26,229 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 48,621 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
48,621
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2017 CITROEN C3 has 48,621 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2017 sits between the two at 83%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2017 CITROEN C3
The 2017 CITROEN C3 is a city car with a 1199cc petrol engine. 26,229 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 2017 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 48,621 miles at 9 years old, CITROEN C3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2017 CITROEN C3 Fuel Costs
The modest 1199cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2017 CITROEN C3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,555 (£130/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% 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 2017 CITROEN C3
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 26,229 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2017 CITROEN C3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2017 CITROEN C3 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN C3(2017) | 83% | £955 | £195 | Grp 5-15 | £1555 |
| FORD FIESTA(2015) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£165 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£167 |
| FORD FOCUS(2015) | 85% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677+£122 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£5 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Citroen Models
Explore other Citroen cars or similar models in the same category.
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2015 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
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