The second-generation Citroën C3 (codename A51) marked a stylistic and qualitative break from its predecessor. Gone was the basic 'bubble' design; it adopted more dynamic lines, a significantly improved interior finish, and stood out with its famous 'Zenith' panoramic windscreen, flooding the cabin with light. Comfort-oriented, it offered a soft, typically Citroën suspension. However, its used car career is now heavily marred by major reliability issues with its petrol engines (VTi 'Prince' and 3-cylinder 'PureTech' engines) as well as the recent and massive Takata airbag scandal, which requires the immobilization of many vehicles.
The Citroën C3 II is a city car full of qualities: comfortable, bright, and ideal for daily use. Unfortunately, its used car record is a real minefield. Between the VTi petrol engines (oil consumption, chain), the PureTech (disintegrating belt, engine failure), the BlueHDi (AdBlue tank), and the recent Takata airbag scandal, buying a C3 II requires extreme caution. Our advice: Avoid the VTi (95/120) and PureTech (68/82/110) petrol engines. If you're looking for a petrol model, opt for the old but indestructible 1.1i 60 or 1.4i 73 hp (before 2012). For diesel, the 1.6 e-HDi 92 hp (8-valve) is the best choice: powerful, ultra-economical, and generally reliable if maintenance is followed. In any case, never buy without checking the status of the Takata airbag recall.