Citroën C3 (02-10) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 08 January 2010
The C3 is Citroen's alternative to small hatchbacks like the Peugeot 207 and Vauxhall Corsa but compared to newer alternatives it's starting to show it's age - particularly inside where the low rent interior and cheap plastics let it down badly. It's comfortable and easy to drive, especially in town, but it's far from enjoyable and lacks the refinement and polish of competitors. That said it does represent good value for money as a used buy. The diesel engines are particularly good too and return excellent economy making the Citroen cheap to run. Just don't expect many thrills along the way. Despite a new (and far superior) C3 model being introduced in 2010, this version is still on sale, badged as the C3 First.
2.5 out of 5

Other Citroën reviews

3.5 out of 5

Buying used

Although not as common as a Fiesta or Corsa there are still plenty of C3s on the used market and the majority of them have done relatively few miles. Avoid the 1.1-litre engine and the entry-level models (L or Vibe) and aim for a 1.4-litre petrol or diesel. Look out parking scrapes and interior rattles.

See 558 used Citroën C3s for sale, starting at £1,295

2 out of 5

Selling

The re-sale values of the C3 are artificially low compared with list prices but that's because no one pays the full price when new. Most models are fairly low mileage so you're more likely to get a better price if you have optional extra's and a full service history.