2013 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Brake discs2.5× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  33.7% All 2013 cars

  13.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.1% of all 2013 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 system4.6× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  18.9% All 2013 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 1.2% of all 2013 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.

• Brake lights2.3× usual
  Citroen C3 Picasso

  7.9% All 2013 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 2.7% of all 2013 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.

Common 2013 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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
  34% 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
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  21% 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
  19% 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
  10% 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 2013 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 2.5× as often on the 2013 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2013 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2013 Citroen C3 Picasso diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?