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Citroen C3 - Low mileage, old car - Starman999

Interested in thoughts from those in the know on the subject of buying an old car with low miles. Are there any potential pitfalls to this?

I'm thinking of buying a 2009 Citroen C3 with 8K on the clock. Would there be any case for getting a higher mileage car of the same age? Apologies if this is a silly question!

Citroen C3 - Low mileage, old car - elekie&a/c doctor
If it’s got the old style 1.4 Tu petrol engine , then there’s not much to worry about with these. Does it have an mot or any kind of service history? Tyres ok ? No doubt there will be the doom and gloom brigade along soon to tell you to avoid it like the plague. How much is it?

Edited by elekie&a/c doctor on 14/03/2022 at 00:31

Citroen C3 - Low mileage, old car - John F

Corrosion will occur almost as fast for a low miler as a high miler. I'd take a good look underneath. Old cars last longer living in a dry garage rather than getting moist with condensation most nights.

Citroen C3 - Low mileage, old car - Andrew-T

Corrosion will occur almost as fast for a low miler as a high miler. I'd take a good look underneath. Old cars last longer living in a dry garage rather than getting moist with condensation most nights.

True in principle, but not necessarily a strong negative factor. My Pug 207, which may have come from the same factory, has never been kept under cover, but underbody corrosion has never been mentioned at any annual inspection - now at 84K miles (2008). And I have never tried to hose it underneath - tho I may have treated the wheel arches once or twice.

Of course a buyer should check this for himself, but age alone does not automatically mean rust.

Citroen C3 - Low mileage, old car - Gibbo_Wirral

I agree. I've always owned Pugs from 2001 - 2010 and never had a rust issue.

Citroen C3 - Low mileage, old car - SLO76
Old TU series motor was a hardy engine but despite the low mileage I’d pay to have the timing belt and water pump changed asap. These resist rust well and they’re comfortable but electrical gremlins are common as they age along with trim issues. I’d avoid if it’s running the later VTi petrol.