Citroen Xsara

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 13 model years from 52,101 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

68%

Total Tests

52,101

Highest Pass Rate

2010 (72%)

Years Covered

About the Citroen Xsara

The Citroen Xsara was MOT tested 52,101 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 13 model years (1998 to 2010), with an average pass rate of 68%. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 72% from 2,318 tests. The 2001 model has the lowest at 66%. The 6 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The Citroen Xsara has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1998) averages 94,084 miles, while the newest (2010) averages 92,813 miles.

Compared to the Citroen brand average of 79%, the Xsara is 11 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Citroen models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1749cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,511

Per month£209/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2010 details

How reliable is the Citroen Xsara?

vs average of all models-14% (82% avg)

vs Citroen brand average-11% (79% avg)

Best to worst year spread6 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Citroen Xsara by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2010	72%	2,318	92,813 mi
2009	71%	4,248	94,809 mi
2008	67%	5,348	101,789 mi
2007	67%	9,515	104,291 mi
2006	68%	10,059	102,625 mi
2005	66%	6,241	108,979 mi
2004	68%	5,455	114,026 mi
2003	66%	3,664	117,235 mi
2002	68%	2,613	112,057 mi
2001	66%	1,687	115,502 mi
2000	67%	464	107,932 mi
1999	67%	218	88,392 mi
1998	69%	271	94,084 mi

Questions about the Citroen Xsara

Is the Citroen Xsara reliable?

Across its 13 model years in our data (1998 to 2010), the Citroen Xsara averages a 68% MOT pass rate, from 52,101 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2010 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 72%.

Which year Citroen Xsara has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 Citroen Xsara has the highest MOT pass rate at 72%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 66%, a 6 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.