2009 Citroen C2

Citroen C2

Citroën’s C2 landed as a left-field choice in the budget hatchback world, never quite catching fire like the Polo Vivo or Hyundai Getz, but always offering something different for the right buyer. You won’t find rows of them on Gauteng dealer floors. In fact, there’s just one on the market right now: a 2009 1.4i VTR, petrol, manual, going for R69,950. This isn’t a model you search for; it’s one you take a punt on if you stumble across a solid one, especially because that basic formula — small engine, manual gearbox — is exactly what works best for this end of the market. No trick trims, no fancy options. Just a car that does what you need it to. That said, the lone example on offer shows 133,069 km, which lines up for a city-driven car of this age. Forget any dreams of future collectability — at this price, you’re buying an honest commuter, not a garage queen. The C2 always felt more lithe and engaging than its closest rivals, with a Euro flavour that made tight Cape Town parking bays and Joburg traffic less of a chore. On paper at least, it brought some fizz the Getz never really managed. The sticking point is what’s under the skin: at this mileage, a well-documented maintenance history counts more than the badge or spec sheet, because that’s the point with cars like this.