Citroen C5 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 729 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,944

£162/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1560cc Diesel

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £1,944/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Diesel1560cc14 years old729 tests107k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1560cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,944

Per month£162/mo

Per week£37/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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

77% of MOT tests on Citroen C5s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 729 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 106,625 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models463rd of 650(bottom half)

Rank among Citroen models318th of 589(bottom half)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average-1%(78% avg)

vs Citroen average-2%(79% avg)

Mileage Analysis

106,625

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Citroen C5 had 106,625 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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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%. The 2012 scores 77%. 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

Ford Fiesta

2013 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

77%

same

Volkswagen Golf

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

87%

+10%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

+2%

Volkswagen Polo

2014 · 1199cc Diesel

£1,644/year

80%

+3%

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About the 2012 Citroen C5

The 2012 Citroen C5 is a small family car. Our records list a 1560cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 729 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 106,625 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen C5 owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2012 Citroen C5 Fuel Costs

The 1560cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 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 2012 Citroen C5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,944 (£162/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 2012 Citroen C5

At 14 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.

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.

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 107k 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.

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 2012 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(2012)	77%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944
Ford Fiesta(2013)	77%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same
Volkswagen Golf(2014)	87%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£150
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£283
Volkswagen Polo(2014)	80%	£1,219	£20	Grp 5-15	£1,644-£300

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 2012 Citroen C5

Is the 2012 Citroen C5 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2012 Citroen C5s ended in a pass, from 729 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Citroen C5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,944 a year (£162 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Citroen C5?

77% of 729 MOT tests on the 2012 Citroen C5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 463rd of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).

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 2012 Citroen C5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Citroen C5 is 106,625 miles, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.