Used Citroen C4 Cactus for sale near Reading

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 3.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 47.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 200
Average Price: Around £6,000

Citroen C4 Cactus (2014-2020) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Quirky design makes rivals seem boring	Not as roomy as a Skoda Octavia
Very affordable running costs	A Ford Focus is more fun to drive
Poor resale values make the C4 Picasso a bargain-priced used car	Unrefined engines and vague controls

Quick Summary

The Citroen C4 Cactus (2014-2020) initially broke the mould as a small SUV, later repositioning itself against compact hatchbacks like the VW Golf and Ford Focus. Its distinctive, offbeat styling features 'Airbump' door panels, chunky bumpers, and unique customisation options. The interior is equally quirky, with a screen replacing conventional dials, a top-loading glovebox, and fabric door straps. While offering good front space, rear headroom is snug, and the rear windows only pop-out, rather than winding down.

Built for comfort over dynamics, the Cactus is quiet on motorways but exhibits body roll in corners, with light and vague controls. Engine options include efficient 1.2-litre petrols and 1.5/1.6-litre diesels, offering good real-world fuel economy. Running costs are affordable, with reasonable servicing and fixed-price plans. Its weak residual values make it an excellent used car bargain, particularly facelifted models which offer improved standard equipment.

Best for: Buyers seeking unique styling, comfort-focused drivers, those on a budget, and used car bargain hunters.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising dynamic handling, those needing conventional rear windows or a flat boot floor, or buyers concerned about resale value.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the C4 Cactus if: You appreciate quirky design, prioritise comfort over driving dynamics, are on a budget, or are looking for a bargain used car.

Consider alternatives if: You want sharper handling, conventional rear windows, a flat boot floor, or are concerned about resale values.

Competitive Position: The Citroen C4 Cactus stands out in the compact hatchback segment with its distinctive, offbeat styling and comfort-oriented setup. While it doesn't offer the dynamic driving experience of rivals like the Ford Focus or the premium feel of a VW Golf, its affordable running costs and low used prices make it an attractive, quirky bargain. Its unique character and emphasis on comfort position it as an excellent choice for buyers seeking something different and practical for city and motorway driving, provided they can overlook its vague controls and limited rear window function.

Read our full Citroen C4 Cactus Review

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