CITROEN C5 (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 205 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,395
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2179cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
64% pass rate, £2395/year to run. 18 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2179cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 25 years old, 64% of CITROEN C5s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 205 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 116,552 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
116,552
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 CITROEN C5 has 116,552 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 2020 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 64%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
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
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About the 2001 CITROEN C5
The 2001 CITROEN C5 is a family car with a 2179cc diesel engine. 205 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 92% of 2001 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 116,552 miles at 25 years old, 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 £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £2,395 (£200/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
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
Based on the 2001 CITROEN C5's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 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.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith 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 riskHigh-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 outWith 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 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 2001 CITROEN C5 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN C5(2001) | 64% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2395 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2003) | 73% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£668 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2003) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£668 |
| VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2003) | 71% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
| LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2003) | 77% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£345 |
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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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
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VAUXHALL ASTRA
2003 · 1700cc Diesel
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