2015 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · PL15 AAZ

The latest Ministry of Transport (MOT) test for this Citroen C4 was conducted on 24 July 2026, resulting in a pass with no recorded defects. However, a detailed review of the vehicle's recent MOT history reveals a concerning trend of reactive maintenance rather than proactive care. Just one day prior, on 23 July 2026, the vehicle failed its inspection due to a dangerous defect regarding the nearside rear brake pads being worn below the legal minimum of 1.5 millimetres, alongside advisories for heavily worn, pitted, and scored brake discs on both the front and rear axles. This pattern of presenting the vehicle for its annual inspection with severely degraded braking components, which was also mirrored in a failure the previous year in July 2025, suggests the previous owner deferred routine servicing until forced to address it by an MOT failure. With a recorded mileage of 83,440 miles over approximately eleven years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 7,585 miles per year. This represents a highly consistent and typical usage profile for a UK family hatchback, indicating regular road use without the prolonged periods of inactivity that often lead to seized chassis components or dry-rotted rubber seals. At this age and mileage, however, the car is entering a phase where major mechanical consumables are due for replacement. Prospective buyers must verify whether the engine's timing belt and water pump have been replaced, as Citroen's recommended service intervals for these critical components are typically reached around the ten-year or eighty-thousand-mile mark, depending on the specific engine variant. During a physical inspection and test drive, the braking system requires close scrutiny despite the recent clean MOT pass. Buyers should peer through the wheel spokes to visually inspect the condition of the brake discs and pads on both axles, looking for deep scoring, a pronounced lip on the outer edge of the discs, or uneven pad wear which indicates binding calipers. On the road, pay close attention to the pedal feel; any sponginess, excessive travel, or a distinct judder through the steering wheel or pedal under braking suggests warped discs or air in the hydraulic system. Listen carefully for any high-pitched squealing or metal-on-metal grinding noises, which would confirm that the braking friction material is critically low or poorly fitted. Additionally, the MOT history from 2025 highlighted an engine oil leak. Although not flagged in the most recent 2026 test, oil leaks on these engines can be persistent and costly to rectify, often originating from the rocker cover gasket, oil filter housing, or crankshaft oil seals. The engine bay should be inspected from both above and below for signs of fresh oil residue or dampness. If this vehicle is equipped with the common three-cylinder petrol engine, it utilizes a wet timing belt that runs in the engine oil. It is vital to inspect this belt through the oil filler cap for signs of swelling, cracking, or fraying, as degrading belt material can clog the oil pickup strainer, leading to oil pressure loss and catastrophic engine failure. A fully documented service history with correct oil specifications is essential to mitigate this risk.