Citroën C3 Picasso (2009 - 2017) 1.4 VTi 16V VTR+ 5d (2012/12) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I've transferred a personalised registration plate onto each car since 1981 but have decided to retain this 12 registration, rather than spending £105 extra which, now that I'm retired, won't need to happen again.

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

A couple have commented that it looks more like a van from the back - but I can carry longer sized items than most other designs.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. I look upon this particular car as a bargain compared to other makes.

What are you likely to buy next?

Not likely to buy again. This one has just clocked 5k, so it should see me out.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,988

When did you buy the car?

July 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes - I reckon so. The 4 items missing from the same spec as the "exclusive" were (1) reversing buzzers. (2) electric mirror retraction (3) Silly under rear floor storage draws (4) Picnic tables on rear of front seats. I only needed item (1) to enable me to park in my garage. The salesman and manager agreed between them to add a set of reversing aids for £130 - much less than the costs included in the "exclusive" spec.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

My last 2 cars were Honda Jazz 1.4s. I wanted something higher and easier to access, but no bigger in external size. I was also attracted by the diesel fuel economy but the first salesman my wife met completely put her off because they had a tendency to block the exhaust system with soot unless driven hard on motorways. (A load of codswallop!.) so it was either a petrol, or keep the Honda.as the wife refused to drive a diesel.

What was the dealer like?

Arnold Clark at Northwich were the most helpful and were prepared initially to bring a light GREY car from Glasgow (which wasn't acted upon) There was a second RED petrol model at Perth, with only 1500 miles on the clock, which they were prepared to transfer for the same quoted cost.

What's it like to drive?

A medium family car having a big car feel.

What's it like to park?

The power-steering along with the added reversing buzzers make parking a doddle.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No problems whatsoever except that the MPG is not really as good as claimed. I could ease my acceleration off a little - but it has much more "oomph" than a diesel.

What's most practical about your car?

Plenty of (leg) room for a fifth passenger. Nice high and wide-opening doors even though they need effort to open and close fully - a bonus in high winds. A big boot, well covered by the door when open.A sad omission is either a spare wheel - or a space-saver. I would hate to have to use the gunge which, in the end, results in having to buy a replacement tyre anyway.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The fact that the driving mirror has to be pulled in manually is a bonus because had BOTH mirrors retracted electronically - I wouldn't have been able to monitor my reversing into the narrow garage doorway.