2009 Citroen C4

Citroen C4

Citroën’s C4 Picasso isn’t your average hatch—it’s the tall, boxy family hauler that’s always been a smarter choice for anyone who actually needs space but doesn’t want a hulking SUV. Think of it as a left-field answer to the Ford C-Max or Volkswagen Golf SV, perfect for Joburg school runs or that occasional Durban road trip—if you pack smart. Right now, though, the market’s dried up to a single listing: a 2009 Picasso 1.6 HDi diesel, manual, sitting at R74,500. That price says all you need to know about its status in today’s South African used car jungle. A diesel engine and manual box combo means you’ll get decent fuel economy—on paper at least—but only if you’re the type who keeps up with the service book and isn’t scared of the occasional oily knuckle. That lone car wears 227,006 km, which will scare off most, but here’s the thing: the 1.6 HDi was engineered for the long haul, provided you’re not lazy about maintenance. The C4 Picasso, Renault Scenic, and Opel Zafira once fought for the same slice of family life, but you’d be hard-pressed to find any of them today. No new ones, zero local stock, and so if you want one, you’re rolling the dice on what’s left. If seven-seat versatility at rock-bottom money is non-negotiable, and you’re realistic about the risks of high-mileage French metal, this is one of the last oddballs worth considering—because sometimes, value isn’t just about the badge or the odometer, but what you actually need from a car right now.