2003 Citroen C3 1.6L Petrol · BF53 HLK
2003 Citroen C3 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 74,459 miles. MOT expired on 26 Dec 2020.
- Make & Model
- CITROEN C3
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 26 Dec 2020
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (21 Oct 2020)
- Recorded Mileage
- 74,459 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
BF53 HLK Key Findings
- 17 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/06/2019
- 74,459 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
BF53 HLK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
17 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Citroen C3 (BF53 HLK) between August 2006 and June 2019.
The record contains 13 passes and 4 failures.
The most recent test on 27 June 2019 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 4 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Central Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed 185/60/15H (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))”.
BF53 HLK Mileage History
- 31/08/200616,283 mi
- 12/02/200718,485 mi+2,202 mi
- 12/02/20088,649 mi-9,836 mi
- 13/01/200929,379 mi+20,730 mi
- 06/01/201034,234 mi+4,855 mi
- 25/10/201140,235 mi+6,001 mi
- 23/10/201244,086 mi+3,851 mi
- 07/01/201451,639 mi+7,553 mi
- 01/04/201556,845 mi+5,206 mi
- 03/04/201556,845 mi
- 13/05/201660,441 mi+3,596 mi
- 18/05/201660,445 mi+4 mi
- 17/05/201764,880 mi+4,435 mi
- 19/05/201764,880 mi
- 26/06/201870,625 mi+5,745 mi
- 26/06/201870,625 mi
- 27/06/201974,459 mi+3,834 mi
Average of roughly 4,537 miles per year across 17 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
Technical Specifications
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Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for Citroën Citroën C3 (Mk1)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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DISCOVERY
CITROEN C3 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- Front suspension coil spring fractureSerious
High salt corrosion and speed cushions on UK roads cause the front coil springs to fracture prematurely near the lower cup seat. In severe cases, the broken spring coil uncoils and punctures the front tyre, prompting DVSA safety recall R/2005/033 to fit protective catch plates.
- SensoDrive automated transmission actuator and software failureSerious
The optional SensoDrive automated manual transmission relies on electric actuators for clutch engagement and gear selection. Software glitches, wiring loom degradation and worn actuator motors lead to jerky gear shifting, failure to select reverse, or complete transmission lockout with a flashing snowflake symbol on the dashboard.
- 1.4 TU3 petrol cylinder head gasket oil leakageModerate
The 1.4-litre TU-series 8-valve petrol engine suffers from external oil weeping from the front-left corner of the cylinder head gasket (above the alternator). Over time, coolant and oil passages can cross-contaminate, causing overheating and mayonnaise-like emulsification under the oil filler cap.
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