Used Citroen C1 for sale nearPreston

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 3.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £5,300

Citroën C1 (2014-2020) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Cute and quirky looks	Very small boot, even for a city car
Easy to drive and small enough to make parking a doddle	A VW Up is better to drive
Funky roll-top version	The Citroën's new car warranty is short compared with those offered by Hyundai and Kia

Quick Summary

The Citroën C1 (2014-2020) is a relatively basic small city car, ideal for urban runabout duties and well suited to younger drivers embarking on car ownership for the first time. Its cute and quirky design appeals to urban car owners, and there's even a quasi-convertible Airspace version with a cloth roof that rolls back to create an open-top car. Inside, it's all pretty basic with hard, shiny plastics and cloth seats, but that's understandable for a budget car. The second-generation C1 benefits from shared mechanical components with Toyota and Peugeot, ensuring good reliability and low maintenance costs.

The C1 is powered by efficient three-cylinder petrol engines, with both the 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre units returning in excess of 65mpg officially, translating to around 55mpg in real-world use. Road tax is very low, with pre-2017 cars exempt and post-2017 models liable for just £150 annually. Insurance costs are also low, falling into groups 7 to 11, making it ideal for younger and older drivers alike. However, the C1 doesn't offer a compelling proposition in any one area compared to its rivals, and some alternatives offer distinct advantages in practicality, driving dynamics, or warranty coverage.

Best for: Urban drivers, first-time car buyers, younger drivers seeking affordable insurance, and those who appreciate distinctive design and the fun of a roll-top convertible option.

Not ideal for: Drivers needing maximum boot space, those prioritising driving dynamics, or buyers seeking an extended warranty comparable to Hyundai or Kia offerings.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C1 if: You're an urban driver, a first-time car buyer, seeking affordable insurance, or appreciate distinctive design and the fun of a roll-top convertible option.

Consider alternatives if: You need maximum boot space, prioritise driving dynamics, or seek an extended warranty comparable to Hyundai or Kia offerings.

Competitive Position: The Citroën C1 (2014-2020) is a charming city car with distinctive styling and low running costs, but it faces strong competition in the segment. Whilst the Hyundai i10 offers superior driving dynamics and the Volkswagen Up provides better badge appeal and practicality, the C1 remains an excellent choice for budget-conscious urban drivers and first-time buyers. Its shared mechanical components with Toyota and Peugeot ensure reliability, and the funky Airspace convertible version offers genuine fun. However, the C1 doesn't excel in any particular area, so it should be on your shortlist alongside its rivals before making a final decision.

Read our full Citroën C1 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.