2016 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · PL66 ARX

The 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine found in this generation of Citroën C3 is reasonably economical, typically returning 50-55 mpg on a combined cycle according to manufacturer figures, which is competitive for the supermini class. Road tax sits in a modest band for this engine size, and insurance should fall into group 5-9 territory depending on the exact trim, making it an affordable prospect for younger or newer drivers.

Annual maintenance is likely to be modest given the car's size and the relative simplicity of the 1.2 unit, but the data here suggests brake and exhaust wear is creeping up consistently. Realistically, plan on a £800-£1,100 annual running cost covering fuel, tax, insurance, tyres, and a service, with the caveat that brake and exhaust work may push this higher in the near term if not addressed proactively.

The 2023 advisory regarding a tyre puncture suggests wheels and tyres may be a regular expense, so factor in a budget for replacement tyres every 20,000-30,000 miles depending on brand.

Start with a thorough inspection of the front brake discs by jacking the vehicle and rotating each front wheel by hand — listen for grinding, check for visible ridges on the disc edge, and measure disc thickness against the minimum stamped on the disc. The MOT history shows the discs have been progressively deteriorating from 'worn' (2022) to 'pitted/scored' (2023) and back to 'worn' (2024-2026), so physical confirmation of remaining thickness is worthwhile before purchase.

Inspect the front exhaust section from underneath, paying particular attention to the flexible joint between the engine and the catalytic converter, plus the mounting bracket that was flagged as corroded in 2026. With the engine running, listen for any ticking, hissing, or blowing sounds that would indicate a worsening leak beyond the 'minor' level previously recorded. Check the rubber exhaust mounts for cracking as these often fail alongside the bracket.

Beyond the MOT-flagged items, give the rest of the car a standard pre-purchase check. The 1.2 PureTech engine has a reputation for timing belt or chain stretch issues on higher-mileage examples, so listen for any rattle on cold start and check for oil consumption. Inspect the bodywork for the typical supermini parking scuffs, check the air conditioning (often neglected on cheaper cars), and verify all electrical features work including the touchscreen, which can fail on this generation of C3.