CITROEN C3 PICASSO (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 293 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1598cc Petrol
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 6 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1598cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%.
At 14 years old, 76% of CITROEN C3 PICASSOs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 293 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 72,293 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
72,293
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 CITROEN C3 PICASSO has 72,293 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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 2017 model with a 84% MOT pass rate, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2012 sits between the two at 76%.
CITROEN C3 PICASSO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 CITROEN C3 PICASSO
The 2012 CITROEN C3 PICASSO is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 293 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 77% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 72,293 miles at 14 years old, CITROEN C3 PICASSO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 CITROEN C3 PICASSO Fuel Costs
The 1598cc 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 PICASSO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
CITROEN C3 PICASSO Reliability Trend
Newer CITROEN C3 PICASSOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 CITROEN C3 PICASSO
At 14 years old, the CITROEN C3 PICASSO 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 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 84%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 CITROEN C3 PICASSO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
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 2012 CITROEN C3 PICASSO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN C3 PICASSO(2012) | 76% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2014) | 76% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2013) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011) | 75% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1540-£417 |
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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VAUXHALL CORSA
2014 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2013 · 1596cc Petrol
NISSAN QASHQAI
2013 · 1600cc Petrol
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