CITROEN XSARA (2006)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 10,059 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,825
£152/month
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£165
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1560cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
68% pass rate, £1825/year to run. 14 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Based on 1560cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 20 years old, 68% of CITROEN XSARAs from 2006 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 10,059 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 102,625 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
102,625
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2006 CITROEN XSARA has 102,625 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2010 model with a 72% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2006 sits between the two at 68%.
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
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About the 2006 CITROEN XSARA
The 2006 CITROEN XSARA is a small family car with a 1560cc diesel engine. 10,059 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 83% of 2006 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 102,625 miles at 20 years old, CITROEN XSARA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2006 CITROEN XSARA 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 £905 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 2006 CITROEN XSARA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,825 (£152/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £165 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% 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 2006 CITROEN XSARA
At 20 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%. With 10,059 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2006 CITROEN XSARA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 103k 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 riskHigh-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 outWith a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2006 CITROEN XSARA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN XSARA(2006) | 68% | £905 | £165 | Grp 12-25 | £1825 |
| FORD FIESTA(2007) | 72% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£335 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2007) | 73% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£98 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2008) | 72% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£335 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2007) | 72% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£335 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Citroen Models
Explore other Citroen cars or similar models in the same category.
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