Used Citroen C3 Picasso for sale nearColchester

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 170
Average Price: Around £4,500

Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Good looking for a mini-MPV	Reliability can be an issue, especially with the diesels
Spacious and versatile interior	You'll be lucky to get near the official economy figures
Comfortable to travel in, easy to drive	The EGS gearbox is jerky

Quick Summary

The Citroën C3 Picasso (2009-2017) is a distinctive mini-MPV that maximises interior volume through its tall, van-like body whilst maintaining a supermini-sized footprint. The boot is exceptionally spacious, offering up to 500 litres with the sliding rear seat pushed forward, comparable to executive saloons. Passengers enjoy ample headroom and legroom, with flexible seating arrangements including a 60/40 split bench that slides fore and aft, and rear seats that fold flat one-handed. The front passenger seat backrest also folds flat on some models, accommodating loads up to 2.41 metres long.

Citroën prioritised comfort and ease of driving over dynamic handling, resulting in a soft ride and light steering ideal for urban driving and parking. Engine options include a 95bhp 1.4-litre petrol, a more capable 120bhp 1.6-litre petrol, and a 1.2-litre turbocharged Puretech with 110bhp. Diesel variants feature 1.6-litre HDi turbodiesels with 90bhp or 110bhp. Fuel economy claims of 44-74mpg are often disappointing in real-world driving, with diesels typically returning 55-60mpg. Servicing intervals are reasonable, though clutches and alternators may require attention on higher-mileage examples. The C3 Picasso proves that family cars need not be dull, offering style, individuality, and masterful packaging.

Best for: Families seeking spacious, practical, and stylish transport; those prioritising comfort and ease of driving; buyers wanting a characterful alternative to conventional family cars.

Not ideal for: Drivers expecting dynamic handling or keen on sports car-like performance; those requiring absolute reliability; buyers seeking fuel economy matching official claims.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C3 Picasso if: You're seeking a spacious, practical, and stylish family car; you prioritise comfort and ease of driving; you want a characterful alternative to conventional family vehicles.

Consider alternatives if: You require dynamic handling and keen performance, demand absolute reliability, or expect fuel economy matching official claims.

Competitive Position: The Citroën C3 Picasso is a strong contender in the mini-MPV market, offering exceptional space and versatility within a supermini footprint. Whilst the Ford B-Max scores higher on expert ratings and overall CarGurus rating, the C3 Picasso matches it on value and user satisfaction. The Nissan Note offers superior user ratings but lower expert scores. The C3 Picasso's distinctive styling, comfortable ride, and masterful packaging make it an excellent choice for families prioritising practicality and individuality, though potential buyers should be aware of reliability concerns with diesel models and real-world fuel economy falling short of official figures.

Read our full Citroën C3 Picasso Review

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