Citroen C5 (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 205 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,841

£237/month

MOT Pass Rate

64%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2179cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

64% pass rate, £2,841/year to run. 18 points below average.

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Diesel2179cc25 years old205 tests117k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2179cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,841

Per month£237/mo

Per week£55/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

64% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Citroen brand average of 79%.

64% of MOT tests on Citroen C5s from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 205 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 116,552 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models322nd of 350(bottom 9%)

Rank among Citroen models561st of 589(bottom 5%)

vs average of all models-18%(82% avg)

vs 2001 models average-9%(73% avg)

vs Citroen average-15%(79% avg)

Mileage Analysis

116,552

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 Citroen C5 had 116,552 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Citroen C5 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	92%	2,377	25,060 mi
2020	92%	10,871	30,371 mi
2019	89%	11,830	37,099 mi
2018	76%	46	42,159 mi
2016	84%	186	70,192 mi
2015	83%	320	88,761 mi
2014	79%	405	83,642 mi
2013	77%	653	96,254 mi
2012	77%	729	106,625 mi
2011	75%	1,045	113,766 mi
2010	72%	2,297	119,800 mi
2009	72%	3,341	119,720 mi
2008	71%	2,251	122,178 mi
2007	69%	731	118,303 mi
2006	72%	827	118,553 mi
2005	69%	596	119,716 mi
2004	72%	691	117,451 mi
2003	69%	554	126,405 mi
2002	66%	426	125,296 mi
2001	64%	205	116,552 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2003 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

73%

+9%

Vauxhall Astra

2003 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

+8%

Land Rover Discovery

2003 · 2495cc Diesel

£2,641/year

77%

+13%

Land Rover Defender

1999 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

75%

+11%

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About the 2001 Citroen C5

The 2001 Citroen C5 is a family car. Our records list a 2179cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 205 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 9% of 2001 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 116,552 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen C5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2001 Citroen C5 Fuel Costs

The 2179cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2001 Citroen C5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,841 (£237/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 64% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Citroen C5 Reliability Trend

Newer Citroen C5s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 13 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2001 Citroen C5

At 25 years old, the Citroen C5 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 117k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 64% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2001 Citroen C5 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Citroen C5(2001)	64%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,841
Volkswagen Golf(2003)	73%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£614
Vauxhall Astra(2003)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£614
Land Rover Discovery(2003)	77%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641-£200
Land Rover Defender(1999)	75%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606-£235

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2001 Citroen C5

Is the 2001 Citroen C5 reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 64% of MOT tests on 2001 Citroen C5s ended in a pass, from 205 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 18 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 Citroen C5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,841 a year (£237 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Citroen C5?

64% of 205 MOT tests on the 2001 Citroen C5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 322nd of 350 models first registered in 2001 (bottom 9%).

Which year Citroen C5 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Citroen C5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2001 the lowest at 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2001 Citroen C5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 Citroen C5 is 116,552 miles, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.