CITROEN C3 PICASSO (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,246 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,525
£127/month
MOT Pass Rate
81%
Good
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 5-15
1200cc Petrol
Solid Option
81% pass rate, £1525/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 1200cc
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%.
At 10 years old, 81% of CITROEN C3 PICASSOs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,246 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 47,480 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
47,480
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 CITROEN C3 PICASSO has 47,480 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-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 2016 sits between the two at 81%.
CITROEN C3 PICASSO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 CITROEN C3 PICASSO
The 2016 CITROEN C3 PICASSO is a city car with a 1200cc petrol engine. 3,246 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 82% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 47,480 miles at 10 years old, CITROEN C3 PICASSO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2016 CITROEN C3 PICASSO Fuel Costs
The modest 1200cc 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 2016 CITROEN C3 PICASSO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,525 (£127/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% 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 2016 CITROEN C3 PICASSO
At 10 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 2016 CITROEN C3 PICASSO'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.
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 2016 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(2016) | 81% | £955 | £165 | Grp 5-15 | £1525 |
| FORD FIESTA(2015) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£135 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722+£197 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677+£152 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550+£25 |
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
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