Used Citroen C1 for sale near Preston

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 400
Average Price: Around £5,000

Citroen 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 Citroen's new car warranty is short compared with those offered by Hyundai and Kia

Quick Summary

The Citroen C1 (2014-2020) is a compact city car, born from a successful collaboration with Toyota (Aygo) and Peugeot (107/108). This second-generation model retains its cute and quirky design, including an Airspace version with a roll-back cloth roof. While the interior is basic with hard plastics, reflecting its budget-friendly nature, most models feature a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering surprising front-seat space for a small car, though the rear seats and 196-litre boot are notably cramped.

Designed for urban driving, the C1 boasts light steering and a small turning circle, making it easy to manoeuvre and park. However, it can feel unsettled on faster roads due to noticeable body roll and suspension struggles, becoming raucous on motorways. Power comes from efficient three-cylinder petrol engines (1.0-litre or 1.2-litre), capable of around 55mpg in real-world driving. Road tax and insurance costs are very low, making it an ideal choice for younger or older drivers on a budget, with servicing costs starting from around £120 annually.

Best for: Urban drivers, young drivers, budget-conscious buyers, those who appreciate quirky design and low running costs.

Not ideal for: Buyers needing significant rear passenger space or boot capacity, drivers prioritising dynamic handling on faster roads, or those seeking a quiet motorway cruiser.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C1 if: You're an urban driver, a young driver, on a budget, appreciate quirky design and low running costs.

Consider alternatives if: You need significant rear passenger space or boot capacity, prioritise dynamic handling on faster roads, or seek a quiet motorway cruiser.

Competitive Position: The Citroen C1 (2014-2020) is a basic but appealing city car, ideal for urban use and budget-conscious drivers, especially younger ones. While its shared underpinnings with Toyota and Peugeot suggest reliability, it faces strong competition from rivals like the Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, and Volkswagen Up, which often offer better driving dynamics, practicality, or longer warranties. Despite its charm and low running costs, it doesn't stand out as a compelling proposition in every area compared to its competitors.

Read our full Citroen C1 Review

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