CITROEN C2s are often considered as first cars because they look trendy, there aren't huge numbers about and it's perceived to be cheap.
That's because the basic specs feel cheap and reliability on Citroens suggests they may be built on the cheap.
There's nothing fundamentally wrong about the Citroen C2, or Citroens generally, but there's nothing that is stand-out good either.
Essentially, they are over-complicated Peugeots with more fussy styling. The C2 is a car for two adults and two small kids, no more.
The 1.6 petrol is for boy-racers with cash (or credit cards) to burn.
The 48mpg 1.1 petrol version is ideal for local runs and your first insurance premium while for everyone else there is a 1.4 petrol which does the same mpg but struggles less, and a 66mpg 1.4-litre diesel.
If you do a lot of miles, you should buy a bigger car that is more stable on motorways. But if you insist on a tiny French car, then go for a 1.4 HDI.
Be aware that you pay more for diesels despite an average mileage 15,000 more than the 1.4 petrol which is our pick.
Six grand buys a three year old 1.4 petrol with average miles of under 20,000. With £3,000, look for seven year old cars with average miles of less than 50,000.
The diesel will be £500 more on the newer models and as much as £1,000 more on older stuff.
Depreciation is almost never out of double figures which means the longer you wait and the older the car, the cheaper it gets but whenever you buy, you are going to lose a noticeable amount of money.
Here is one of the faults UsedCarExpert.co.uk recommends checking for before buying:
During the test drive, when changing gear, you may find there is a gear selection problem; the change may be rough.
The electronics may need re-programming to make the gear change smooth.
For a full report of common faults on the CITROENC2, visit Used Car Expert.