2013 Citroen DS3 1.6L Petrol · VU13 ACY

This Citroen DS3 carries a concerning maintenance history that reflects a worsening pattern of neglect, culminating in an initial failure at its most recent test on October 16, 2024, at 95,838 miles. While the vehicle ultimately passed on the same day after rectifying a low headlamp aim, the recurring presence of engine oil leaks and tyre damage points to reactive rather than preventative upkeep. The pattern of failing tests year after year for basic items like blown bulbs, horns, and worn tyres indicates that previous owners skipped routine pre-test checks and deferred essential mechanical repairs. The vehicle covers roughly 7,372 miles annually, which sits comfortably within typical UK averages for a thirteen-year-old hatchback. Mileage accumulation remained steady through the early years, moving from 53,129 miles in May 2018 to 71,554 miles by September 2021. Testing cadence experienced minor disruptions around the pandemic years, notably shifting from April 2020 to December 2020, but the vehicle returned to a regular autumn testing schedule from late 2021 onward. The odometer reading of 95,838 miles logged in October 2024 aligns logically with its age and historical trajectory. An inspection of the physical chassis reveals chronic wear that demands immediate buyer attention, particularly regarding the front suspension and powertrain integrity. The nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint and the lower suspension arm ball joint both exhibited slight play during the October 2024 test, continuing a multi-year trend of suspension degradation first noted with worn wishbone bushes back in 2021. Furthermore, the engine oil leak noted as continuous and hazardous in September 2024 was later downgraded to non-excessive in October 2024, suggesting a temporary cleanup or patch rather than a proper gasket or seal replacement. Braking components also require thorough physical scrutiny before purchase, given that the offside rear brake disc was flagged as significantly worn in September 2024, following multiple past advisories for pitted discs and thin pads. Prospective buyers must inspect the front suspension arms, check the underside for active oil weeping around the engine block, and verify the condition of all four tyres and rear brake discs. The persistent accumulation of minor electrical faults, such as incorrect indicator lens colours and misaligned headlamps, further suggests substandard past repairs that deserve a comprehensive diagnostic scan.