Citroen Xsara (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 218 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,527

£211/month

MOT Pass Rate

67%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1997cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

67% pass rate, £2,527/year to run. 15 points below average.

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Diesel1997cc27 years old218 tests88k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1997cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,527

Per month£211/mo

Per week£49/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

67% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Citroen brand average of 79%.

67% of MOT tests on Citroen Xsaras from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 218 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 88,392 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models305th of 361(bottom 16%)

Rank among Citroen models521st of 589(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-15%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average-8%(75% avg)

vs Citroen average-12%(79% avg)

Mileage Analysis

88,392

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Citroen Xsara had 88,392 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 72%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1999 scores 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Citroen Xsara by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2001 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

+5%

Land Rover Discovery

2001 · 2495cc Diesel

£2,641/year

75%

+8%

Land Rover Defender

2001 · 2495cc Diesel

£2,641/year

75%

+8%

BMW 3 Series

2000 · 1951cc Diesel

£2,327/year

77%

+10%

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About the 1999 Citroen Xsara

The 1999 Citroen Xsara is a family car. Our records list a 1997cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 218 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 16% of 1999 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 88,392 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen Xsara 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.

1999 Citroen Xsara Fuel Costs

The 1997cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 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 1999 Citroen Xsara?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,527 (£211/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 67% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Citroen Xsara Reliability Trend

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

Buying a Used 1999 Citroen Xsara

At 27 years old, the Citroen Xsara 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 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 72%.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 88k 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 67% 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 1999 Citroen Xsara 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 Xsara(1999)	67%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,527
Volkswagen Golf(2001)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£300
Land Rover Discovery(2001)	75%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£114
Land Rover Defender(2001)	75%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£114
BMW 3 Series(2000)	77%	£1,397	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,327-£200

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 1999 Citroen Xsara

Is the 1999 Citroen Xsara reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 67% of MOT tests on 1999 Citroen Xsaras ended in a pass, from 218 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 15 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Citroen Xsara cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,527 a year (£211 a month): £1,397 fuel, £375 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 1999 Citroen Xsara?

67% of 218 MOT tests on the 1999 Citroen Xsara ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 305th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (bottom 16%).

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% and the 2001 the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Citroen Xsara?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Citroen Xsara is 88,392 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.