CITROEN C3 (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 2,263 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
95%
Total Tests (2024)
2,263
Avg Mileage
22,520 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,400
Is the 2021 CITROEN C3 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 3 years old, 95% of CITROEN C3s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 2,263 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 22,520 miles.
How does the 2021 CITROEN C3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 CITROEN C3 has 22,520 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
How much does a 2021 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 2021 CITROEN C3
The 2021 CITROEN C3 is a city car with a 1199cc petrol engine. 2,263 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 23% of all 2021 cars for reliability.
With an average of 22,520 miles at 3 years old, CITROEN C3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 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 2021 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 95% 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 2021 CITROEN C3
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet.
Alternatives to the 2021 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 (2019) 91% pass rate (-4%) from 124,950 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2019) 92% pass rate (-3%) from 89,653 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2019) 88% pass rate (-7%) from 68,639 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2020) 93% pass rate (-2%) from 52,321 tests