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Citroen C1 Motor Finance — Owner Information | MLJ.org.uk

Last updated: 27 February 2026

The Citroen C1 was commonly sold on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements during the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) investigation period, which ran from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This small city car, designed for urban environments, was often financed through various lenders who provided flexible payment options that allowed customers to manage their finances more effectively. ## How the Citroen C1 Was Typically Financed During its production period, the Citroen C1 was frequently sold with Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements. These agreements typically involved financing amounts ranging from £15,000 to £30,000 for a 36-48 month term. Common lenders for Citroen vehicles during this period included Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance. In PCP agreements, the total amount financed is split into monthly payments and a final balloon payment or Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV) at the end of the term. The GMFV represents an estimate of the car's value at the end of the contract, which can either be paid in full to own the vehicle outright, or used as part of another finance agreement for a new car. ## The FCA Motor Finance Investigation The FCA launched an investigation into motor finance agreements after discovering that many were sold under discretionary commission arrangements. These practices led to significant overcharging and unfair terms for consumers. According to the FCA's findings, 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) across various makes and models, including the Citroen C1, were affected by these issues. The total amount overcharged was estimated at £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026), with an average of £829 per agreement (FCA estimate). The investigation highlighted that many finance agreements included excessive fees, hidden charges, and misleading information, leading to financial difficulties for customers. These practices were particularly problematic during the peak sales period of the Citroen C1, when it was a popular choice among urban drivers. ## How to Check Your Agreement Key indicators include: - Dates of Contract: Ensure that your finance agreement was signed between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. - DCA Clause: Look for the term "Discretionary Commission Arrangement" (DCA) in your documentation. If you find any discrepancies or suspect that your agreement includes unfair terms, it is important to take action promptly. You can contact your lender directly to request a review of your finance agreement and seek clarification on any charges or fees. ## How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free If you believe that your Citroen C1 finance agreement was mis-sold during the FCA investigation period, you do not need to engage with a claims management company. You can complain directly to your lender for free and seek redress under the terms of your contract. Common lenders associated with Citroen vehicles include Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance. Each lender has its own process for handling complaints, but you should: 1. Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant documentation, including copies of your finance agreement, payment records, and any correspondence with the lender. 2. Submit Your Complaint: Write a formal letter or use the lender's online complaint form to detail your concerns and provide supporting evidence. 3. Follow Up: If you do not receive a response within 8 weeks, escalate your complaint through their internal escalation process. You can complain directly to your lender for free without incurring any additional costs or fees. This approach allows you to address the issue promptly and efficiently. ## Sources and References - Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates for affected agreements: 12.1 million (FCA estimate) - FCA estimates for total overcharges: £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) - Average amount overcharged per agreement: £829 (FCA estimate) These sources provide a full overview of the issues surrounding motor finance agreements and the steps consumers can take to address any potential mis-selling concerns.

Citroen C1 MOT Pass Rate

Based on 153,366 MOT tests conducted in 2024 (source: DVSA anonymised test data), the Citroen C1 has a pass rate of 78.9%. This is close to the national average of 79.6%, meaning the C1 performs about average in MOT testing.

The C1 pass rate is better than the overall Citroen average of 75.3%. The average mileage at MOT for this model is 62,766 miles.

MOT pass rate: 78.9%
MOT failure rate: 21.1%
Tests analysed: 153,366 (2024 DVSA data)
Average mileage at test: 62,766 miles
Citroen average pass rate: 75.3%
National average pass rate: 79.6%

Data source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results 2024, published under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I suspect my Citroen C1 finance agreement was mis-sold?

If you believe your Citroen C1 car finance agreement might have been mis-sold, it is advisable to first review the terms of your contract and seek advice from an independent financial advisor. You can also complain directly to your lender for free without involving a claims management company.

How common are complaints about Citroen C1 car finance agreements?

Complaints regarding motor finance agreements, including those for the Citroen C1, have been widespread. According to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), there were 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) in place between April 2007 and November 2024, many of which received complaints due to potential mis-selling practices.

What are some signs that my Citroen C1 car finance agreement might be mis-sold?

Signs of mis-selling in a Citroen C1 motor finance agreement can include high interest rates compared to other options, lack of transparency about fees and charges, or not being fully informed about alternative financing methods. Mis-selling can also involve pressure selling tactics that force you into an agreement without proper consideration.

What does the FCA scheme covereemed mis-sold?

The amount of compensation for a mis-sold Citroen C1 car finance agreement can vary. Based on FCA estimates, the average repayment claim settled since April 2007 has been around £829 (FCA estimate). This figure may differ depending on individual circumstances and the extent of any financial loss incurred.

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