2006 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · CE06 AEB

The Citroën C1’s most recent MOT test on 2025-04-23 confirmed it passed without defects, though it was preceded by an identical test just three days earlier—also passing—following a failure at 59,905 miles in April 2024. This pattern of consecutive passes and the absence of recurring advisories or defects suggests the vehicle has remained mechanically stable over the past two years. No structural or safety-critical components were flagged in any test, and the lack of advisories implies previous owners addressed minor issues promptly. However, the 2025 failure at 62,386 miles, despite passing the retest immediately after, raises a question about whether the vehicle was driven to the test station without addressing a pre-existing fault, though no specific defect was recorded. The recorded mileage of 62,397 miles over 20 years indicates exceptionally low annual usage—approximately 3,120 miles per year—far below the typical UK average for a vehicle of this age. The most notable gap is between the July 2023 (57,995 miles) and April 2024 (59,905 miles) tests, where just 1,910 miles were covered in nearly nine months, suggesting prolonged periods of inactivity. This could imply storage-related risks, such as flat-spotted tyres, degraded suspension seals, or corrosion from moisture accumulation. Conversely, the consistent passing without advisories suggests no major mechanical neglect, but the low mileage also means some components may have been underutilised, potentially masking wear that could resurface unexpectedly. Given the lack of recorded defects, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on components often overlooked in low-mileage vehicles: suspension integrity, particularly the condition of coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers, which may have degraded from prolonged static loading. The brakes, while not explicitly failed, should be scrutinised for uneven wear or binding calipers, especially if the vehicle was driven hard before the 2025 tests. Corrosion is another critical area—check underbody panels, wheel arches, and subframe mounts for pitting or structural weakening, as standing water can accelerate deterioration even in low-mileage cars. Finally, verify tyre tread depth and lateral wear, as the absence of MOT failures on tyres suggests they may have been replaced recently, but uneven wear patterns could indicate alignment or suspension issues.