Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI reliable?

Based on MOT data from 253 vehicles, the 2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI has a first-time MOT pass rate of 76.3%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI (2008)

253 real MOT outcomes analysed • 76.3% first-time pass rate

2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI

CarHunch analysed 253 real MOT records for the 2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page

Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Limited data for this trim variant. The DVLA records this vehicle under a specific trim-level name with only 253 vehicles on record — some statistics may not be reliable at this sample size.

See the full 2008 CITROEN C5 (4,629 vehicles)

We have limited data for the 2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

76.3%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.58

Over 2.7 tests on record

Moderate

Typical mileage

129k

Middle half: 109k–149k

For context

These stats describe 253 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 253 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI cars.

Before you buy a 2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI

Based on MOT data from 253 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 0% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 554 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Grey 31.9%

177

Silver 22.2%

123

Black 17.1%

Blue 15.3%

Red 11%

White 2.3%

Mileage Distribution

Most 2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

128,736

typical

108,536

low mileage

148,626

high mileage

Half of all 2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI vehicles fall between 108,536 and 148,626 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 108,536 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 108,536–148,626 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDIs sit.

⚠ Over 200,645 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 22% of 2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDIs are still active.

Numbers are declining — 21 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (22% of peak).

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

2.7

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.58

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI: All C5 Vtr+ HDI years → Which year to buy? →

2009

Or browse all models: Citroen →

Compare with another model

See how the 2008 Citroen C5 Vtr+ HDI stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?