CITROEN XSARA (1999)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 218 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Total Tests (2024)
218
Avg Mileage
88,392 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,927
Is the 1999 CITROEN XSARA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 25 years old, 67% of CITROEN XSARAs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 218 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 88,392 miles.
How does the 1999 CITROEN XSARA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1999 CITROEN XSARA has 88,392 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a CITROEN XSARA?
The most reliable year is the 2010 model with a 72% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 66%. The 1999 sits between the two at 67%.
How much does a 1999 CITROEN XSARA 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 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 |
Checking a specific CITROEN XSARA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1999 CITROEN XSARA
The 1999 CITROEN XSARA is a family car with a 1997cc diesel engine. 218 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 85% of 1999 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 88,392 miles at 25 years old, 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 £1,037 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 1999 CITROEN XSARA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 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 points.
Buying a Used 1999 CITROEN XSARA
At 25 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%.
Alternatives to the 1999 CITROEN XSARA
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2001) 72% pass rate (+5%) from 15,315 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (+3%) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (2001) 75% pass rate (+8%) from 6,308 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (2001) 75% pass rate (+8%) from 5,673 tests