2014 Citroen DS3 1.6L Petrol · NV64 AEE

The Citroën DS3 presents a clean MOT history in its most recent tests, with the February 2026 inspection at 70,284 miles passing without any defects—a positive indicator of current roadworthiness. However, the back-to-back failures on January 28 and 29, 2026, at 70,259 miles, raise questions about the vehicle’s readiness for testing rather than mechanical deterioration, given the absence of recorded faults. The January 2025 tests also show a similar pattern of consecutive failures without defects, suggesting the issues may stem from procedural or administrative oversights rather than recurring mechanical problems. Overall, the trend appears stable in terms of major defects, but the repeated failures warrant closer scrutiny of why the vehicle was initially rejected. The mileage accumulation is notably low for a 12-year-old vehicle, averaging just under 5,857 miles per year, which may reflect infrequent use or extended periods of inactivity. The gap between the February 2024 test at 48,610 miles and the January 2025 test at 57,949 miles—an 11-month period with just 9,339 miles covered—further supports this observation. Such low mileage typically reduces wear on consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension components, but it also means certain fluids may have degraded over time due to lack of use. The most recent mileage jump between January 2025 (57,949 miles) and February 2026 (70,284 miles) suggests the vehicle has seen more consistent use in the past year, though still below average for its age. Given the lack of defects in the MOT records, there are no red flags for structural or major mechanical failures, but a prospective buyer should still verify a few key areas in person. The suspension—including coil springs, dampers, and bushings—should be checked for wear or leaks, as low-mileage vehicles can still develop stiffness or corrosion in these components if exposed to moisture. Brakes, particularly the rear calipers and discs, should be inspected for binding or uneven wear, as the January 2026 failures might hint at minor but unresolved issues. Exhaust emissions and the catalytic converter should also be assessed, as older vehicles with low mileage can sometimes develop clogging or inefficiencies. Finally, the vehicle’s bodywork and undercarriage should be examined for signs of corrosion, especially in areas prone to rust, such as wheel arches and sills, given the age of the car.