2013 Skoda Citigo 1.0L Petrol · LF13 AEO

The Skoda Citigo with the 999cc petrol engine is known for excellent fuel economy, typically returning around 50-60 mpg in real-world driving conditions. With low annual mileage of roughly 1,150 miles per year, fuel costs would be minimal — perhaps £150-£250 annually depending on driving style and conditions. Road tax (VED) for a vehicle of this age and engine size is likely to be £165 per year as it falls outside the post-March 2017 VED bands, though this should be confirmed.

Insurance for the Citigo is typically very affordable, usually sitting in insurance group 1 or 2, making it one of the cheapest cars to insure on the UK market. Expect annual premiums in the region of £250-£400 for a typical driver. The 999cc three-cylinder engine is generally considered mechanically simple and relatively cheap to maintain, with parts shared across the VW Group (the Citigo is mechanically related to the VW up! and SEAT Mii).

Estimated annual running cost: £700-£900, factoring in fuel, tax, insurance, and basic maintenance. This is on the lower end of the scale, though tyre replacement and any tailgate repair should be budgeted for separately.

The most recent MOT advisory noting that the tailgate was not opening is a specific concern. Inspect the tailgate release mechanism from both inside and outside the vehicle, checking the electrical release, the manual override, and the condition of any supporting struts. Listen for any struggling sounds and check that the warning light on the dashboard illuminates correctly when the tailgate is open. Also verify that all rear lights, the number plate light, and the rear wiper function correctly, as these are common fault areas.

Given the multiple tyre advisories in the recent MOTs (cracking, perishing, and wear), inspect all four tyres carefully. Look for sidewall cracking, uneven wear patterns that might indicate alignment or suspension issues, and check the spare tyre if present. Tyres older than five years from the date of manufacture (look for the DOT date code on the sidewall) should be replaced regardless of tread depth, particularly given the cracking observed.

More broadly for a low-mileage 2013 Citigo, check for corrosion around common areas including wheel arches, sills, and the underbody. Inspect the condition of all fluid reservoirs and check for any signs of leaks. With such low mileage, verify the brake discs for surface corrosion (which can occur with infrequent use) and ensure the handclasp functions correctly. Finally, check that the air conditioning works effectively, as refrigerant seals can deteriorate with age regardless of mileage.