2013 Citroen DS3 1.6L Diesel · CA11 AAJ

A persistent front nearside and offside drive shaft CV boot deterioration defines the mechanical history of this 2013 Citroen DS3, with the defect recorded as a Minor at four of the last five tests spanning 2021 through 2025, alternating between the outer and inner joint locations on the offside. While each occurrence was classified as a Minor rather than an advisory or fail, the recurrence over consecutive tests points to a component that has not been replaced and is likely to continue degrading, particularly given the rubber hardening and splitting that typically accompanies age on these flexible boots. Beyond the CV boots, the advisory record is dominated by edge wear on rear tyres in both 2024 and 2025, alongside earlier front tyre edge wear in 2022 and a noted defective front exhaust mounting from the same year, suggesting a pattern of uneven tyre wear and underbody component fatigue. All five recorded tests have resulted in a pass, with the most recent examination on 21 October 2025 confirming the vehicle remains roadworthy, though the accumulation of recurring items indicates components approaching the threshold where replacement will become necessary rather than observation. The recorded mileage of 49,006 miles across approximately thirteen years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 3,770 miles, which is notably below the average for a vehicle of this age. While lower annual mileage can reduce wear on high-load items such as clutches, engines, and brake friction material, prolonged periods of standing or only short journeys carry their own mechanical consequences, particularly for rubber components, brake discs susceptible to surface corrosion, and underbody protection. The MOT history shows consistent year-on-year testing with no extended gaps, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than laid up, though the exact mileage progression between tests is not recorded here and cannot be precisely verified. A prospective buyer should prioritise a physical inspection of the offside front drive shaft, listening for clicking or knocking noises during full lock manoeuvres at low speed, which would indicate that CV joint grease has been lost through the deteriorated boot and that the joint itself may now require replacement rather than just a re-booting. On a test drive, listen for any clonking when transitioning from forward to reverse under load, and inspect the inner and outer boots visually for splits, grease deposits on the surrounding suspension arm or wheelarch liner, and the condition of the retaining clips. Given the recurring rear tyre edge wear advisories in 2024 and 2025, check the current rear tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which on a DS3 may indicate rear wheel alignment issues, worn rear suspension bushes, or weak dampers, and feel for any instability or wandering over undulating road surfaces. The 2022 advisory regarding the front exhaust mounting should prompt a check for rattling at idle or on acceleration, particularly over bumps, and for any visible movement or separation at the exhaust joint near the manifold or centre section. With thirteen years of service, even on a low-mileage example, the buyer should also carry out due diligence on age-related items not strictly covered by the MOT record, such as the condition of the timing belt or chain service interval, coolant and brake fluid renewal, and the state of the lower engine and gearbox for any oil seepage that could indicate deteriorating seals. Inspect the underside for any corrosion on the suspension subframes, brake pipes, and mounting points, as road salt exposure over more than a decade will progressively attack unprotected steel. Finally, verify that the previously noted CV boot defect has not progressed by checking for any grease fling on the inside of the offside front wheel, and confirm with the seller whether any rectification work has been carried out or whether the advisories remain outstanding.