The Citroën Ë-C3 Already Available Used… and at Crazy Prices

While the first deliveries to customers are scheduled for October, some copies of the Citroën Ë-C3 are already available in used condition. Strange?

Ahhh, the peculiar world of car sales. This universe where newness has an inflated price, and where a model just a few weeks old is already destined to be discounted. A game of deception between the seller and the buyer that has been going on for over a century, repeating itself invariably.

After the episode of the Dacia Duster being more expensive used than new, where buyers were willing to do anything to drive among the first behind the wheel, does Citroën want to pull the same trick with the Ë-C3? It’s an interesting experiment. If you visit Citroën’s commercial site, you’ll quickly realize that the online configurator is either down or that the overly personalized industrialization of the first samples is a headache.

At the moment of placing an order, nothing happens. You are timidly directed to the Store where pre-configured models (often very bland) are offered. As for the base price of 14,800 euros, even with all the tax incentives imaginable, it’s currently unattainable for the reasons just mentioned.

Speculation in the used market?

So, where do all these Citroën Ë-C3 used cars come from? From dealerships, of course. In fact, they can mostly be found within the Spoticar network, owned by the Stellantis group just like Peugeot, Fiat, Jeep, Opel, etc. These are demonstration and exhibition models, but their prices, even in used condition, are extremely high.

What about the ecological bonus of 4,000 euros, for instance? It’s forgotten because it was already included in the price at the time of registration. What about depreciation with mileage often close to 5,000 km? That’s also overlooked.

Are the dealers really that optimistic about their new small electric city car (because yes, it is small) to inflate the prices this much? Because with nearly 29,000 euros for a used Ë-C3, even in very well-equipped Max trim, it makes no sense. A MG4, much more relevant and new, costs 24,990 euros. A Renault Megane EV with a “small battery” offers more for not much more money.

As often in the automobile world, it is wise not to rush when buying. If you are not in a hurry, wait a few months before making your purchase. You will make huge savings… in addition to the satisfaction of not having been taken for a fool.

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