Buying a Citroën: Is it “Throwing Money Away”? The Truth About Depreciation in 2026

Artigo voltado ao mercado Brasileiro. Artigo atualizado em 29 de June de 2026 por João Daniel

“Citroën? Ugh, it depreciates too much. It’s a sure way to make a mistake!” If you’ve ever researched the French brand in Brazil, you’ve certainly heard this phrase. For decades, Citroën has carried the burden of significant depreciation, often losing 20% ​​of its value right after leaving the dealership.

But it’s 2026. The market has changed, Stellantis (owner of Fiat and Jeep) has taken control, and new models like the… Basalt and the C3 Turbo They are flooding the streets. Does the reputation of “money thrown away” still hold true, or has it become a dangerous myth for your wallet?

The Negative Side: Why Does Prejudice Still Exist?

Citroën’s bad reputation in the used car market wasn’t invented. In the past, problems with the suspension of older models (like the C5) and the difficulty in finding parts for imported engines created a real fear among dealers.

Even today, in 2026, many used car appraisers use this “reputation” to lower the price of your trade-in Citroën, even if the car is in impeccable condition. This market behavior creates a artificial devaluationbased on the past and not on the technical quality of the current car.

The Upside: The “Stellantis Effect” and Liquidity

The big turning point for Citroën in Brazil was… standardization. Today, the T200 engine and Aisin transmission found in a Citroën are the same as those in a Fiat or a Jeep.

• Retailer Confidence: The appraiser knows that if the engine has a problem, he can fix it with Fiat parts. This has dramatically increased the acceptance of Citroën in multi-brand dealerships.
• Affordable Parts: The parts basket for the C3 and Basalt lines is currently one of the cheapest in Brazil, which attracts used car buyers who want a modern SUV without spending too much on maintenance.

The Strategic Solution: Transforming “Misfortune” into “Opportunity”

If you want to be financially savvy in 2026, Citroën’s depreciation could be your greatest ally.

1. Buy Used Cars (1 to 2 years old): Let the first owner pay the initial “depreciation tax”. When buying a Basalt or C3 Aircross with 15,000 km, you acquire a modern design with Fiat mechanics for a much lower price than a direct competitor from VW or Toyota.
2. The Advantage of Particulate Reselling: Since dealerships still try to underpay for Citroëns, you can quickly sell your car to a private buyer who is looking for the brand’s comfort and knows the car is robust.

Verdict: Throwing money away or a smart investment?

Our market analysis shows that Citroën’s depreciation in Brazil is stabilizing and is now comparable to that of Peugeot and Renault. Buying a brand new Citroën today It’s no longer about throwing money away.provided you intend to keep the car for at least 3 years. If your focus is the used car market, Citroën is currently one of the best ways to “upgrade” while spending little.