Citroën C1 (2005 - 2014) 1.0i VTR 3d (2009/59) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not a lot. Although I did choose the green to be different. (All it really does is make you blend in with the scenery so makes city driving a nightmare).

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Cute and tiny.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definitely not. Feels like a matter of time before it will fall apart (it's only done 30k). Uncomfortable to drive, no power whatsoever, 60mpg is totally unrealistic (and I stick to the speed limits and follow every trick in the book). Totally impractical if you have any more than two small bags of shopping. Can't wait to get rid of it.

What are you likely to buy next?

Small diesel; Toyota Yaris, Fiat Grande Punto Multijet, VW Polo Bluemotion, Vauxhall Corsa Ecoflex, etc.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£4,400

When did you buy the car?

December 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Good for the money although in hindsight overvalued.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Insurance being a newly passed driver.

What was the dealer like?

Unhelpful, caused unnecessary delays with car, pushy, sold car in unroadworthy state. Heartlands Ford Perry Barr for those interested.

What's it like to drive?

Clutch incredibly high so town driving becomes uncomfortable especially in traffic. Acceleration OK up to about 40mph but after that it's gutless - it's bordering on dangerous on the motorway and noise becomes unbearable after a couple of hours. Gearbox is very notchy; like most small PSA cars, reverse is hit and miss and sometimes you have to really make an effort when changing gears due to how close together they are.

What's it like to park?

Providing you don't need to look over your shoulder, quite easy. Steering makes it hard work though and rear windows are difficult to see out of in the 3 door.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Endless trouble with water ingress; took 5 attempts and 4 weeks to fix, although steaming up and condensation is always an issue even when the car is dry (my passengers nickname it "the white screen of death" due to it's nature to send the screen white after about 200yds). Also, wheels are prone to buckling with potholes.

What's most practical about your car?

Depends on whether you have already owned a car of this size. If you have a Smart or an Aixam/Microcar, then it has a bigger engine and 2 more seats. But otherwise nothing. Boot is non-existent and seats are always down. Parcel shelf is poorly designed and always gets trapped. Seats default back to bolt upright so you lose your driving position frequently. No dual electric windows; may as well have manual as the buttons come out of the holders when you lean over to open or close the passenger side.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

If I have to answer, AUX port on the stereo. But this car really lacks in this category. Even the VTR+ doesn't have an MPG gauge. Or a glovebox lid. Or dual electric window switches. A 90s supermini has more equipment than this does.