2009 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Brake discs2.2× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  31.7% All 2009 cars

  14.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Diesel smoke emissions13.2× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  13.2% All 2009 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.8%, against 0.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Number plate lights2.1× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  17.7% All 2009 cars

  8.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  14% All 2009 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 3.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2009 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  47% 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
  42% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  23% 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.

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Citroen C3 Picasso 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 brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2009 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 13.2× as often on the 2009 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2009 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?