Citroen Xsara Picasso (2006)

118 real MOT outcomes analysed • 74.7% first-time pass rate

2006 Citroen Xsara Picasso

CarHunch analysed 118 real MOT records for the 2006 Citroen Xsara Picasso. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2006 Citroën Xsara Picasso has a first-time MOT pass rate of 74.7%, which is below the UK average of 80%, and half of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a serious red flag for any buyer considering this model. This is a car that demands careful inspection before purchase.

At nearly 72,000 miles on average, these are moderately worn examples, yet they're averaging 4.86 failures and 26.3 advisories per test, indicating systemic wear rather than isolated problems. Before buying, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the suspension, brakes, and cooling system, as these tend to be where this generation Picasso shows its age most obviously.

Below average reliability 5.3% below UK average
74.7%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
59,617
typical mileage
49,652–67,656 middle half
50.9%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
4.86
avg MOT failures per car
over 18.7 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2006 Citroen Xsara Picasso

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • ⚠️ 50.9% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Citroen Xsara Picasso

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (61%) 72 75% 4.97
Diesel (39%) 46 74.3% 4.7

Mileage Distribution

Most 2006 Citroen Xsara Picasso vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

49,652
low mileage
59,617
typical
67,656
high mileage

Half of all 2006 Citroen Xsara Picasso vehicles fall between 49,652 and 67,656 miles.

2006 Citroen Xsara Picasso — Still on the Road

55 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 53% of the peak remain.

102 55 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.

MOT History Averages

18.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
4.86
Avg failures per vehicle
26.3
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Citroen Xsara Picasso?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Citroen Xsara Picasso:

2007