CITROEN XSARA PICASSO (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 33 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
55%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1587cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
55% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 27 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1587cc
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 27 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 24 years old, 55% of CITROEN XSARA PICASSOs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 33 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 117,801 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
117,801
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 CITROEN XSARA PICASSO has 117,801 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-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 2006 model with a 68% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2002 sits between the two at 55%.
CITROEN XSARA PICASSO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 CITROEN XSARA PICASSO
The 2002 CITROEN XSARA PICASSO is a small family car with a 1587cc petrol engine. 33 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 99% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 117,801 miles at 24 years old, CITROEN XSARA PICASSO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 CITROEN XSARA PICASSO Fuel Costs
The 1587cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2002 CITROEN XSARA PICASSO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 55% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
CITROEN XSARA PICASSO Reliability Trend
The CITROEN XSARA PICASSO has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 CITROEN XSARA PICASSO
At 24 years old, the CITROEN XSARA PICASSO 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 2006 model has the highest pass rate at 68%. Note: with only 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2002 CITROEN XSARA PICASSO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 118k 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 55% 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 2002 CITROEN XSARA PICASSO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN XSARA PICASSO(2002) | 55% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| MINI MINI(2004) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| FORD FOCUS(2004) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£130 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922-£235 |
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
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