2004 Citroen C2 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Citroen C2 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Citroen C2 diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.7× usual
  Citroen C2

  16.5% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11%, against 2.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Side repeaters4.8× usual
  Citroen C2

  9.2% All 2004 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Common 2004 Citroen C2 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Citroen C2 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  41% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  40% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Rust and bodywork
  16% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Citroen C2 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2004 Citroen C2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2004 Citroen C2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?