2002 Citroën C3 · 4,203 MOT tests
2002 Citroën C3 reliability
2002 Citroën C3s fail 51.7% of first MOT tests, 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 20 C3 years (4,203 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Citroën C3s: 35.6%)
- 51.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Citroën C3s: 35.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 25% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 87,613
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,203
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 28% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 26.8% of tests fail here (76% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 58% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Citroën C3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics31.4%
- Suspension26.8%
- Brakes12.5%
- Body, chassis and structure9.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.6%
- Tyres9.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 8.61%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.88%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 6.21%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 5.38%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 4.52%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.26%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.84%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (15.27%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (14.23%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (12.44%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.42%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (7.49%)
Other years
Every Citroën C3 year
The full picture: Citroën C3 reliability. Before you pay for any Citroën C3, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2002 Citroën C3 reliable?
2002 Citroën C3s fail 51.7% of first MOT tests, 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 20 C3 years (4,203 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Citroën C3 MOT?
Most often headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (8.61% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (6.88% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (6.21% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Citroën C3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2002 Citroën C3 shows 87,613 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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