Item: Used Citroën C2 2003 - 2009
Rating: 3
Author: Steve Huntingford

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Hatchback

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition, featuring paintwork-protecting ‘Airbumps’ and eschewing the sporty looks favoured by most rivals.

Indeed, Citroën tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from small hatchbacks (such as the C1 and C3) to big, family-friendly seven-seaters (the Spacetourer and Grand C4 Spacetourer).

The C3 Aircross SUV is another of its popular models, while a larger C5 Aircross is planned.

CITROEN

It's nippy and good fun, but the C2's real appeal is its low price and running costs

Used Citroën C2 2003 - 2009

No C2 will cost a bomb. Like most Citroens, residual values from new are poor, so used versions are very affordable. You can pick up fairly young examples for bargain prices.

Crucially for the young buyers that seem to love the C2, running costs are very reasonable. Our favourite 1.1 version will return 47.9mpg, and even the sportiest VTR and VTS versions will still return a very respectable 40mpg. The diesel is the clear winner here, though, returning an impressive 68.9mpg.

Insurance costs are a big plus point for our favourite 1.1, being classified in the cheapest group 1. The 1.4 sits in group 3 along with the diesel, while the VTR and VTS are less respectable, sitting in groups 6 and 8 respectively.

Servicing costs are cheap. You'll even pay less to service your C2 than you would to maintain its little brother, the C1.

It's nippy and good fun, but the C2's real appeal is its low price and running costs


The entry-level 61bhp 1.1-litre unit is best. It isn't that quick, but it will be good enough for most drivers and running costs are minimal.

The 1.4-litre petrol gives more flexibility, and even delivers the same fuel economy as the 1.1, but costs more to buy and insure, a huge consideration for young drivers.

Avoid the 1.4's Sensodrive semi-automatic gearbox option - changes are too jerky and performance is impaired. There's also a 'Stop &amp; Start' version, which cuts the engine when the car is stationary to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy, but it's rare on the used market.

The range-topping cars have a 1.6-litre engine. In the VTR, it provides 110bhp, and in the VTS, it gives 123bhp. Both are great fun. Diesel fans can choose the 70bhp 1.4 turbodiesel, which gives almost 70mpg.

Trims range from L to SX. L is too basic, so choose Design - it gives you a CD player, electric front windows and remote central locking, but doesn't cost the earth.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

The Fiesta remains a star of the class, thanks to its strong Ecoboost petrol engines and suspension settings that are beautifully judged for British roads. However, the latest Volkswagen offers even more practicality, decent performance and a classy interior that has the edge on the Ford’s for quality.

Any of these models will be a competent commuter car – especially if fitted with one of the increasingly popular small turbocharged petrol engines – but just remember that while you’ll be able to carry two adults and two children, it might still be a struggle to get all of their luggage into the boot.

Small

Citroen doesn't have a sparkling record when it comes to reliability. The French manufacturer always finishes near the bottom of the table in our Reliability Surveys, and our most recent study was no exception.

Similarly, Citroen's performance in the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey is never any more impressive, and mechanical reliability is one of the C2's biggest sources of complaint.

Parts are usually quite cheap, though, and Citroen dealers charge very reasonable hourly labour rates - so when your car goes wrong, it's usually quite cheap to fix.

The Sensodrive semi-automatic gearbox isn't great to use, and there have been some reports of problems with that cause a hesitation between gears and a thud when switching ratios. That's another good reason to leave it alone.

The rear brakes can be another source of problems. It has been known for them to bind on, which is a real pain.

Much like the Saxo that went before it, the C2 has become a favourite with young drivers who like their cars, but don't have much to spend.

Not only does it look sharp, it's also quite a lot of fun to drive, even if the steering is a bit dull at higher speeds. The ride isn't bad, either - only larger lumps and bumps will cause the C2 problems.

Most of the C2's limitations lie on the inside. Although there's plenty of room up front, space in the rear is very tight indeed, and the boot is tiny, too. What's more, the quality of the materials used in the cabin falls a long way short of the best in the class.

Still, the C2 has everything that young drivers want, and provides it at a low cost. Most are reasonably well equipped, too.

Used Citroën C2 2003 - 2009 review

Why the overall winner won

Best small SUV

Best family car

Best small electric car

Best luxury car

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

site ribbon config

What to look for when buying a Citroën C2 2003 - 2009, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

Citroen doesn't have a sparkling record when it comes to reliability. The French manufacturer always finishes near the bottom of the table in our Reliability Surveys, and our most recent study was no exception.,Similarly, Citroen's performance in the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey is never any more impressive, and mechanical reliability is one of the C2's biggest sources of complaint.,Parts are usually quite cheap, though, and Citroen dealers charge very reasonable hourly labour rates - so when your car goes wrong, it's usually quite cheap to fix.The Sensodrive semi-automatic gearbox isn't great to use, and there have been some reports of problems with that cause a hesitation between gears and a thud when switching ratios. That's another good reason to leave it alone.The rear brakes can be another source of problems. It has been known for them to bind on, which is a real pain.

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

Used Citroën C2 2003 - 2009 review

Citroen C2 1.1i Rhythm Euro 4 3dr

Citroen C2 1.1i VT Euro 4 3dr

Advice for buyers

What should I look for in a used Citroën C2 hatchback?

What Car? has a buying service

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information