2014 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · PY64 AAK

A pattern of front suspension wear is the defining mechanical theme of this 2014 Citroën C4's MOT record, with both nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes flagged at the 2024 and 2026 tests despite the vehicle passing all six examinations. The most recent assessment on 27 August 2026 recorded a pass but carried advisories for worn front suspension bushes on both sides, an offside rear tyre showing slight damage, cracking or perishing, and rear subframe corrosion noted as not seriously weakened. The only failure in the recorded history occurred on 19 October 2023, when the offside front CV joint boot was found split and a horn fault was classified as a major, though the vehicle passed a retest just seven days later on 26 October 2023 and has returned clean passes at both subsequent tests. The recurring nature of suspension component advisories across separate test events, particularly when mirrored on both sides of the front axle, points to a progressive wear pattern typical of this model rather than isolated incidents. With approximately 70,693 miles accumulated over twelve years, this C4 has covered around 5,891 miles annually, which is notably below average for its age and may reflect a combination of light use and periods of standing. The MOT testing cadence has been regular and consistent, with no extended gaps suggesting the vehicle was laid up for multi-year periods, and no sudden mileage jumps indicating inconsistent use. Mechanically, lower annual mileage of this nature generally preserves drivetrain and engine internals but can accelerate degradation of rubber components, brake calipers and flexible hoses due to infrequent operation, as well as promote surface corrosion on underbody structural elements such as the subframe already noted in the 2026 advisory. For a prospective buyer, the priority on any physical inspection should be a thorough assessment of the front suspension geometry, given the bilateral advisories at both 2024 and 2026. Listen for clonking or knocking noises over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, particularly from the front wheels, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle which would confirm the bushes have reached a serviceable limit. The 2026 advisory for subframe corrosion warrants careful visual examination of the rear underbody structure for any perforation, flaking or advanced section loss beyond surface oxidation, paying close attention to mounting points and any brake line or fuel line routing in close proximity to corroded metal. On a road test, expect vague steering response, wandering at speed or excessive vibration through the steering wheel if the suspension arm pins or bushes have worn beyond their advisory threshold, and be alert to any rubbing, droning or pulsation from the offside rear tyre which could mean the sidewall damage has progressed to a cord-visible state. The brake hose advisories from 2024 regarding slight corrosion to the ferrules on both rear hoses are worth following up, as corroded brake ferrules can eventually compromise fluid sealing and lead to brake fluid leaks under pressure. Inspect the rear brake hoses visually for any seepage around the crimped unions, and test pedal feel for excessive softness or a sinking pedal during sustained braking, which would indicate fluid loss past degraded ferrules. The split CV boot failure from October 2023 should have been rectified at retest and the joint itself inspected for grease contamination and wear, so on a test drive listen for any clicking or knocking on full-lock turns which would suggest the joint was already contaminated before repair. Given the combined front suspension wear, rear subframe corrosion and ageing brake components all flagged within the last two test cycles, a pre-purchase inspection on a ramp with particular focus on the front lower arms, rear subframe integrity and brake hydraulic components would be strongly advisable before committing to purchase.