CITROEN C3 (2020)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 8,971 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
8,971
Avg Mileage
27,660 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,400
Is the 2020 CITROEN C3 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 4 years old, 92% of CITROEN C3s from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 8,971 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 27,660 miles.
How does the 2020 CITROEN C3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2020 CITROEN C3 has 27,660 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-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 2020 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2020 CITROEN C3 cost to run?
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 2020 CITROEN C3
The 2020 CITROEN C3 is a city car with a 1199cc petrol engine. 8,971 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 27,660 miles at 4 years old, CITROEN C3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 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 2020 CITROEN C3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,400 (£117/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2020 CITROEN C3
At 4 years old, the CITROEN C3 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. With 8,971 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2020 CITROEN C3
The CITROEN C3 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol city cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2018) 90% pass rate (-2%) from 157,746 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (same) from 89,653 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2018) 85% pass rate (-7%) from 86,266 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2018) 87% pass rate (-5%) from 78,522 tests