2012 Citroen DS5 2.0L Diesel · LD62 AAV

Repeated structural and steering assembly interventions punctuate the roadworthiness history of this Citroen DS5, indicating a vehicle that has required significant mechanical attention to remain on the road. The most recent MOT test, completed on 8 September 2025, resulted in a pass accompanied by advisories for an oil leak, perishing front tyres, and an obscured inspection area due to a fitted undertray. This follows a volatile 2023 testing cycle that included two consecutive failures within days of each other, where inspectors flagged dangerous wear on the nearside front track rod end, a split constant velocity boot, and excessive play in suspension ball joints. While subsequent tests show passes, the presence of recurring front-end defects and a noted oil leak demonstrate a pattern of component wear that requires close scrutiny. Accumulating 143,001 miles over its 14-year lifespan places this DS5 at an average of roughly 10,214 miles per year, a typical usage rate for a vehicle of this class. The testing record shows an unbroken annual cadence without any extended periods of inactivity or gaps in MOT history. Mechanically, this consistent mileage accumulation means that high-stress components such as suspension joints, drive shafts, and braking systems have experienced continuous use and subsequent wear over time, aligning with the specific steering and suspension failures recorded in recent years. During a physical inspection and test drive, prospective buyers must thoroughly investigate the front end for lingering mechanical defects stemming from its history. Pay close attention to the nearside front suspension and steering architecture, listening for any knocks, clunks, or excessive play when negotiating uneven road surfaces or sharp turns. Check the steering wheel for pull or vagueness that could indicate unresolved geometry issues or worn track rod ends, and inspect the constant velocity boots for any signs of fresh grease leakage or tearing. Furthermore, address the advisory regarding the oil leak by inspecting the underside of the engine bay with the undertray removed to identify the precise source of the fluid loss, whether from the sump gasket, turbo feed pipes, or auxiliary seals. Examine both front tyres for the sidewall cracking noted in the latest test and verify the remaining thickness on the rear brake pads, which were previously flagged as wearing thin. Ensuring these specific items have been properly rectified will determine the immediate financial outlay required to maintain roadworthiness.