CITROEN SAXO (2001)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,653 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Total Tests (2024)
1,653
Avg Mileage
76,891 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,540
Is the 2001 CITROEN SAXO reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 23 years old, 70% of CITROEN SAXOs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,653 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 76,891 miles.
How does the 2001 CITROEN SAXO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2001 CITROEN SAXO has 76,891 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a CITROEN SAXO?
The most reliable year is the 2003 model with a 72% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2001 sits between the two at 70%.
How much does a 2001 CITROEN SAXO cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
CITROEN SAXO by Year
Checking a specific CITROEN SAXO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2001 CITROEN SAXO
The 2001 CITROEN SAXO is a city car with a 1124cc petrol engine. 1,653 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 76,891 miles at 23 years old, CITROEN SAXO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2001 CITROEN SAXO Fuel Costs
The modest 1124cc 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 2001 CITROEN SAXO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,540 (£128/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
CITROEN SAXO Reliability Trend
The CITROEN SAXO has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2001 CITROEN SAXO
At 23 years old, the CITROEN SAXO 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 2003 model has the highest pass rate at 72%.
Alternatives to the 2001 CITROEN SAXO
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+1%) from 29,898 tests
- MINI MINI (2003) 72% pass rate (+2%) from 25,713 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2003) 68% pass rate (-2%) from 22,313 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2003) 67% pass rate (-3%) from 21,166 tests