Used Citroën C3 2002 - 2010 review

What's the used Citroen C3 like?

The C3 has a hint of MPV about it, especially with its high driving position (although it won't suit all drivers).

The cabin has an airy feel and some thoughtful touches, but the rear seats are tight and the boot is only just adequate. There's a high sill to lug stuff over, too.

Overview

The C3 is economical to buy and to run, but bettered in most areas by most rivals

Pros

• It's cheap to buy and run, comfortable and refined
• and has individual looks

Cons

• The rear seats are cramped, and the boot isn't as big as some of its rivals'

Used cars available now

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Citroen C3

1.4 HDi Rhythm 5dr

£499

Citroen C3

1.6 HDi Exclusive Euro 4 5dr

£750

Citroen C3

1.6 HDi VTR 5dr

£750

Citroen C3

1.4i Connexion Euro 5 5dr

£800

Citroen C3

1.4i 16V VTR 5dr

£990

Citroen C3

1.4i SX 5dr

£995

Citroen C3

1.4i Desire 5dr

£999

Citroen C3

1.4i VTR+ Euro 5 5dr

£999

Citroen C3

1.1i 5dr

£999

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Front passengers have stacks of space and the driver enjoys a logical control layout, although the digital instruments are fussy.

The engines - 1.1 apart - are willing and strong enough to cope with out-of-town work. On a cruise, they're quiet and only some wind noise disturbs the otherwise refined calm.

Citroens normally give a soft, comfortable ride, but the C3 is an exception. Revisions at the end of 2005 made it more absorbent, but you'll notice bumps too often on earlier cars.

Still, it goes round corners competently, although keen drivers will prefer a car with more grip, more steering feel and less body roll.

Our recommendations

Which used Citroen C3 should I buy?

The 1.4 and 1.6 diesels are strong, smooth, quiet and exceptionally frugal, but are dearer to buy than the petrols. So stick to the petrols, which all return over 40mpg.

In town, the 1.1 petrol is fine, but can feel stretched on a longer high-speed run. The 1.6 petrol performs strongly, but we prefer the cheaper 1.4, which is smooth and lively.

The 1.4 is also available with a stop-start system - it switches the engine off when the car's stationary to cut emissions - but it's still rare on the used market. The Sensodrive paddle-shift gearbox is more common, but avoid it because it gives a jerky drive.

Basic trim is just that, so track down an SX, which is the best value, with air-con and CD. You may also find the plushest Exclusive trim, or the sporty VTR trim. C3s are easy to find. Citroen dealers, supersites, independent dealers, and the classifieds all have them.