2012 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Brake discs2× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  27.9% All 2012 cars

  13.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.1% of all 2012 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.

• Exhaust system2.9× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  14.4% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Number plate lights2.2× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  15% All 2012 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  39% 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.

• 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
  34% 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.

• Suspension
  23% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 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× as often on the 2012 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2012 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2012 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?