2008 Citroen C2 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Citroen C2 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Citroen C2 diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.4× usual
  Citroen C2

  8.2% All 2008 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.6% of all 2008 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.

• Individual direction indicators2.1× usual
  Citroen C2

  6.6% All 2008 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Body structure rust or damage2.2× usual
  Citroen C2

  3.7% All 2008 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

Common 2008 Citroen C2 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Citroen C2 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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
  35% 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
  32% 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
  32% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 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 2.4× as often on the 2008 Citroen C2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the individual direction indicators? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2008 Citroen C2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the body structure rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2008 Citroen C2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?