2011 Citroen DS3 1.6L Diesel · HN11 AAE

The vehicle presents a history of reactive maintenance rather than proactive upkeep. While the DS3 passed its most recent MOT in April 2026 at 120,894 miles with no defects, the preceding years show a recurring pattern of significant mechanical and structural failures. The May 2024 failure at 107,798 miles is particularly telling, revealing a fractured offside front coil spring, a corroded and seriously weakened front Macpherson strut mounting, and a severely grabbing rear service brake. These issues were addressed to secure the subsequent pass, but the presence of structural corrosion on the strut tops suggests that the vehicle's suspension components are susceptible to rust due to age and environment. At 120,894 miles over 15 years, the car averages approximately 8,060 miles per annum, which is consistent with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. However, the inspection history between 2018 and 2023 indicates that the previous owners frequently ignored consumable items until they reached failure points. For instance, the May 2023 test at 102,713 miles flagged multiple tyres with exposed ply cords and tread depths below the legal limit, alongside failed wiper blades and inoperative lighting. The consistent mention of an oil leak back to 2020 indicates a persistent weeping seal that has not been definitively rectified. A buyer should exercise caution regarding the structural integrity of the subframe and suspension mounts. The record shows noted corrosion on the front subframe as in 2022 and progressive weakening of the strut mounts through 2023 and 2024. The repeated failure of coil springs across both axles over the years indicates that the suspension components are nearing the end of their operational life. While the car currently holds a valid certificate, the historical trend of binding brakes and weakened structural metal suggests that future MOT costs may be high as corrosion continues to progress.