2002 Citroen Xsara 2.0L Diesel · EF51 AAO
2002 Citroen Xsara (2.0L, diesel). First registered 01 Feb 2002. Recorded mileage 140,468 miles. MOT valid until 23 Mar 2027. Taxed until 01 Jan 2027.
- Make & Model
- CITROEN XSARA
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 23 Mar 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jan 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 140,468 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.0L
- 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.
EF51 AAO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/03/2026
- 140,468 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EF51 AAO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 Citroen Xsara (EF51 AAO) between February 2023 and March 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 24 March 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (12 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 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 Integral body structure inadequately repaired such that structural rigidity is significantly reduced sill (6.1.1”; “Nearside Integral body structure inadequately repaired such that structural rigidity is significantly reduced sill (6.1.”; “Offside Front Tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions (5.2.3 (i))”.
EF51 AAO Mileage History
- 22/02/2023140,241 mi
- 21/02/2024140,285 mi+44 mi
- 19/02/2025140,371 mi+86 mi
- 19/03/2026140,445 mi+74 mi
- 24/03/2026140,468 mi+23 mi
Average of roughly 74 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Citroën Citroën Xsara Picasso
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While the vehicle has a current MOT, the recent history reveals significant structural repairs and ongoing corrosion issues that pose a long-term risk.
The most critical point for negotiation is the recent structural repair to the sills. You must request detailed invoices or photographic evidence of how the 'inadequately repaired' sills were fixed to ensure the work was professional and permanent. The fact that the vehicle failed on structural rigidity and brake pipe corrosion within days of its last pass indicates a car that is aging rapidly in terms of chassis health.
Check the service history for evidence of timing belt and water pump replacements, as these are vital for the 2.0L diesel engine. Given the age and the recent tyre fitment failures (where tyres were not fitted according to sidewall instructions), verify that the current tyres are of a reputable brand and correctly installed.
As a 2.0L diesel from 2002, this Xsara offers decent fuel economy for long-distance cruising, though it will be less efficient in urban settings. Tax and insurance should be relatively low given the vehicle's age and typical insurance group for this model.
However, maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average for a car of this value. The MOT history shows a recurring theme of suspension wear (ball joints) and braking system degradation, meaning you should budget for frequent small repairs to keep the car roadworthy.
Focus your inspection on the underbody. The March 2026 MOT recorded major failures for the sills and brake pipes; check for fresh weld patches or excessive underseal that might be hiding further rust. Pay close attention to the brake pipes from front to rear, as the latest MOT still lists the offside pipes as corroded and 'covered in grease', which is often a temporary measure to pass a test.
Additionally, inspect the front brake discs. The most recent test notes that both the nearside and offside front discs are worn, pitted, or scored. Check the suspension for any play, as the car has a history of lower suspension arm ball joint wear dating back to 2018.
This 2002 Red Citroen Xsara 2.0L Diesel has covered 140,468 miles. While it has remained relatively low-mileage in recent years, its MOT history is concerning, specifically a March 2026 failure involving structural rigidity of the sills and excessive brake pipe corrosion. Although these were rectified to pass the subsequent test, the presence of remaining advisories suggests an ongoing battle with rust.
Specific aggregate data for the Xsara is unavailable, but this individual vehicle shows a pattern of chassis and braking system deterioration typical of older French cars in the UK climate.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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CITROEN XSARA 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 2002 model year cars.
- Rear torsion beam axle trailing arm bearing failureSerious
The trailing arm needle roller bearings inside the rear torsion beam axle lack adequate weather sealing against UK road salt and water spray. Corrosion destroys the bearings, causing the rear wheels to tilt inwards at the top (negative camber) and rub against the inner wheel arch liners, eventually seizing the axle.
- 2.0 HDi in-tank fuel lift pump failureSerious
The low-pressure fuel lift pump situated inside the fuel tank on 2.0 HDi models is prone to internal electrical brush wear and motor seizure. The engine cuts out without warning while driving or fails to start, often preceded by a buzzing or whining noise from beneath the rear passenger seats.
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