Used Citroen DS3 for sale nearChelmsford

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 130
Average Price: Around £3,000

Citroen DS3 (2010-2018) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Sporty looks stand out among bland rivals	The ride is harsh and uncomfortable
The stylish cabin lifts the DS3 above the norm	Rear seats are hard to reach and short on legroom
Strong performance from the more powerful engines	Cabriolet is more of a hatchback with a full-length sunroof

Quick Summary

The Citroen DS3 (2010-2018) is a striking and stylish supermini that stands out from bland rivals with its distinctive design, featuring a gaping grille, boomerang front LEDs, and a shark's fin B-pillar. The interior is equally appealing, with soft-touch materials and funky design touches that create a premium feel. A convertible version, the DS3 Cabrio, is also available, featuring a full-length sunroof rather than a fully retractable roof. The DS brand became independent from Citroen in 2015, with the car subsequently rebranded as the DS 3.

Practicality is not the DS3's strong suit, with a cramped rear, restrictive legroom, and limited storage solutions. The driving experience is underwhelming, with vague steering, an uncomfortable ride, and high road noise at motorway speeds. However, the more powerful petrol engines, particularly the 1.6 THP turbo, deliver spirited performance and turn the DS3 into a pocket hot hatch. Diesel options offer exceptional fuel economy, though with compromised flexibility. Running costs are generally low, with petrol engines returning 35-40mpg and diesel variants achieving mid-50s mpg in real-world driving. Servicing is affordable, as the DS3 shares its mechanical basis with the Citroen C3.

Best for: Style-conscious buyers seeking a distinctive supermini with premium appeal, those wanting strong performance from turbocharged engines, and drivers prioritising affordable running costs.

Not ideal for: Families needing spacious rear seats, those seeking a comfortable ride for long journeys, buyers requiring practical storage solutions, or those sensitive to road noise at higher speeds.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the DS3 if: You prioritise style and distinctive design, seek strong performance from turbocharged engines, or want an affordable supermini with premium appeal and low running costs.

Consider alternatives if: You need spacious rear seats, require a comfortable ride for long journeys, prioritise practical storage, or are sensitive to road noise at higher speeds.

Competitive Position: The Citroen DS3 (2010-2018) is a compelling choice for style-conscious buyers seeking a distinctive supermini with character. Whilst it may not match the MINI for handling or the Peugeot 208 for overall refinement, the DS3 offers superior styling and a more premium cabin experience. Its strong engine options, particularly the turbocharged variants, deliver engaging performance, and running costs remain competitive. However, the harsh ride and cramped rear accommodation are notable drawbacks. For buyers willing to overlook these compromises in favour of panache and individuality, the DS3 represents excellent value in the used supermini market.

Read our full Citroen DS3 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.