1999 Citroen Xsara 1.8L Petrol · S905 CJE
1999 Citroen Xsara (1.8L, petrol). First registered 15 Jan 1999. Recorded mileage 120,578 miles. MOT expired on 15 Nov 2022.
- Make & Model
- CITROEN XSARA
- Year / Origin
- 1999 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 Nov 2022
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 120,578 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
S905 CJE Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 01/05/2023
- 120,578 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 11 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S905 CJE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1999 Citroen Xsara (S905 CJE) between November 2021 and May 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 01 May 2023 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (6 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 ”; “Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))”; “Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak (8.2.1.1 (b))”.
S905 CJE Mileage History
- 02/11/2021116,506 mi
- 01/05/2023120,578 mi+4,072 mi
Average of roughly 2,728 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Citroën Citroën Xsara Picasso
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Avoid this vehicle unless you are a mechanic looking for a project with a significant budget for repairs. The MOT history reveals a consistent pattern of neglect regarding safety-critical items and engine health, making it a very risky purchase for the average buyer.
If you consider this car, prioritize a thorough inspection of the engine seals; the repeated mention of 'excessive' oil leaks and high carbon monoxide levels suggests potential internal engine wear or head gasket issues that could be costly to fix. Check the entire suspension system, as the history notes noted issues with steering racks, track rod ends, and radius arm bearings.
Look for a comprehensive service history that proves regular oil changes, though the MOT data (like missing gear knobs and perished tyres) suggests the previous owner may not have been proactive with basic maintenance. Negotiate heavily based on the immediate work required to get the car up to road standard, specifically new tyres, a full exhaust overhaul, and brake refurbishment.
With a 1.8L petrol engine, you can expect modest fuel economy, likely around 30-35 mpg. Tax for a vehicle of this era is generally low, but insurance may fall into a mid-range group given the age and engine size.
Maintenance costs will be high relative to the car's value due to the age and frequent failure of components. Estimate an annual running cost including fuel, tax, insurance, and likely repairs at £1,200-£1,500.
Pay close attention to the exhaust system; it has failed multiple times for major leaks and high emissions, which may indicate a failing catalytic converter or deeper engine combustion issues. Inspect all four tyres carefully, as the car has a history of being left until perished, cracked, or at dangerously low tread depth.
Check the under-carriage for active oil leaks, as the MOT history has progressed from 'minor' to 'excessive' over the years. Additionally, inspect the rear brakes thoroughly, as the history shows a recurring problem with lagging, imbalanced, and worn brakes across multiple tests.
This 1999 Citroen Xsara has covered 120,578 miles and shows a concerning history of poor maintenance. Recent MOT tests have flagged major failures, including dangerous tyre defects, excessive oil leaks, and exhaust emissions that far exceed legal limits. While the price is likely low given its age, the recurring issues with the braking system and exhaust suggest a vehicle that is reaching the end of its economical road life.
The Xsara is generally considered a straightforward French hatchback, but the 1.8 petrol engine can suffer from aging electrical components and oil leaks.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (S905 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as S905CJE.
KAWASAKI
ZRX1100
RENAULT
MASTER
MERCEDES-BENZ
C
HONDA
CBR600F
MITSUBISHI
SHOGUN
PEUGEOT
306
TOYOTA
RAV4
FORD
FIESTA
HONDA
CR
VOLVO
S40
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
MERCEDES-BENZ
412 D
CITROEN XSARA Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1999 model year cars.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.