Citroën C1 (2005 - 2014) 1.0i VT 5d Owner Review

Well, I am on to my 4th of these little cars, so you can guess how well I rate them! I've owned 2x Peugeot 107 models and 2x Citroen C1 models.... not had an Aygo but let's be honest, apart from a few body panels and interior parts, they're all the same car. So, why have I had 4? Well.... you buy your first one of these cars and you instantly love it - they are fantastically economical and reliable, but make no mistake - they're also terrific fun! Handling is like a go kart, and the punchy 2 cylinder engine sounds amazing and pulls far better than you'd imagibe. Gearing is extremely tall (70mph is possible is 2nd gear!!!), which makes it flexible and less gear changes are necessary. On the motorway or major A road, it cruises fine in 5th but make no mistake - if you want to overtake, you must change down to 4th. The revs rise and off it goes! Staying in 5th gear on the motorway, even flooring the accelerator just won't take you anywhere - even on the flat! It's not that it's underpowered (as some will claim), it's just the gearing of the gearbox. After having my first for a year, I guess the novelty wore off and I sold it and bought a 'proper' (ie. boring) car. I have never regretted selling a car more in my life! 6 months later I bought another. Then my daughter turned 18 and I gave it to her (with tears in my eyes!). A year later I bought the later, 2nd generation model (2015 Citroen C1)... let me tell you, they are a LOT less fun, and mine suffered many electrical problems. The older model cars are far better and more reliable in my view. I sold that car and did not regret it. Now here we are, in 2022, with petrol costing over £1.50 a litre and everything going up in price - somehow because of Covid.... (eg. exploitation). I solf a petrol VW Golf and just bought a 2011 (10 year old) Citroen C1. Drives like new, and it's like having an old friend back. Honestly, for the low (I mean, REALLY low) running costs, there is just no better car out there, that the C1 / 107 / Aygo. Don't waste your money on the newer generation models though - they are heavier, slower, and less fun to drive. Many more reports of reliability issues too. Get yourself a 2005-2013 first generation model for as much as you can afford. And keep it forever. It will serve you, and prove cheaper to run than a bicycle. I will be keeping this one forever! 60 miles per gallon and 100 smiles per gallon!