2016 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · R77 MAC

The 998cc petrol engine in the C1 is renowned for strong fuel economy, typically returning around 55-65 mpg in real-world driving, making this one of the cheapest cars to run on fuel. Road tax is minimal — pre-2017 cars like this sit in a low VED band costing around £20-£30 per year. Insurance is exceptionally cheap, as the C1 falls into one of the lowest insurance groups (group 3-5 depending on trim), making it ideal for young or low-mileage drivers. Routine maintenance is straightforward and parts are inexpensive given the car's simple design and Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 107 shared platform. Estimated annual running cost: £700-£900 for a low-mileage owner, dominated by insurance and occasional servicing.

Given the extremely low mileage, focus your inspection on age-related deterioration rather than wear. Check all rubber components — tyres (look for sidewall cracking even if tread is good), wiper blades, and door/boot seals. Inspect the underside for surface corrosion, as cars used only for short journeys can suffer from rust due to the bodywork not drying thoroughly. Verify the battery holds charge with a proper test, as a ten-year-old battery that has seen minimal use is likely near the end of its life. The single MOT failure on 2023-07-26 with no defects recorded is unusual; ask the seller for documentation explaining what prompted the failed test, and confirm the subsequent pass on the same date. Finally, check the timing chain on cold start — the 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit is generally robust, but listen for any rattle on startup.