2011 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso 1.6L Diesel · HN11 ABV

A pattern of persistent tyre and front suspension wear emerges across the MOT history of this fifteen-year-old Grand C4 Picasso, even though the vehicle has only recorded one outright failure. The November 2024 test stands as the most recent pass, but it carried an advisory for the nearside front suspension arm bush starting to split, a defect category that often progresses into play in the lower wishbone assembly if left unaddressed. November 2022 produced a Dangerous failure due to the nearside front tyre being below the legal 1.6mm tread limit, alongside advisories for an offside front tyre worn close to the limit and an offside rear tyre exhibiting cracks in the tread pattern. Going further back, the January 2019 test recorded pitted and scored front brake discs on both sides along with low inner pad material, and the 2023 test flagged a nearside rear tyre once again close to the legal limit. Taken together, the record shows that while structural or corrosion-related failures have not been recorded, the consumable contact patches and front axle components have been repeatedly flagged, suggesting a vehicle that is approaching, rather than comfortably within, its wear margin on these items. Mileage accumulation over the recorded test history is broadly consistent with average use for the vehicle's age, with 90,752 miles spread across roughly fifteen years equating to around 6,050 miles per year. There are no extended gaps in testing that would suggest long periods off the road, and no rapid year-on-year jumps in mileage are evident from the records provided. This level of use means the engine and drivetrain have been worked regularly rather than left to suffer from prolonged standing, which is generally favourable, but it also places ongoing demand on the original suspension, exhaust, and cooling system components that are now well beyond their design service life. The mid-range annual mileage does not by itself indicate any particular concern, but it does mean that age-related degradation of rubber, plastic, and corrosion-prone components should be expected alongside the wear items already identified. For a prospective buyer, the front axle is the area that warrants the closest physical inspection given the splitting bush advisory recorded in November 2024 and the previously noted brake disc wear. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed humps and pothole edges, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering that would indicate the nearside front bush has progressed beyond the advisory stage. Visually inspect the nearside front lower arm bush for any visible deterioration, cracking, or separation of the rubber, and check that the front brake discs are free from significant lipping or scored grooves, as the 2019 advisory noted pitting on both sides and the discs may now be approaching the minimum thickness or showing renewed corrosion. Pump the brake pedal to confirm firmness and watch for any pulling to one side under braking, which could suggest a binding caliper on the side that has been hardest worked. The tyres themselves form the second priority for inspection, given that the nearside front was found below the legal limit in 2022, an offside front was close to the limit on the same test, and the nearside rear was again approaching the limit in 2023. Check the current tread depth across all four corners with a gauge rather than relying on visual estimation, paying particular attention to the inner shoulders which can wear unevenly on a heavy MPV of this type, and inspect the sidewalls and tread face for cracking or perishing similar to what was previously flagged on the offside rear. With the vehicle now fifteen years old, it is also prudent to look underneath for any signs of underfloor corrosion, exhaust leaks or damage, coolant leaks from the ageing plastic pipework common to Picasso models of this era, and condition of the rear brake components which have not been specifically recorded but will have suffered normal wear. A thorough pre-purchase inspection on a lift would be strongly advisable to complement the test drive findings.