2009 Citroen C3 1.6L Diesel · W11 KDS

The Citroën C3 presents a clean MOT history in terms of defects, though the recent testing pattern raises questions about its ongoing roadworthiness. The most recent test on 4 July 2025 at 113,934 miles passed without any recorded advisories or failures, yet the preceding test on 20 June 2025—just 14 days earlier and at 113,842 miles—was failed for unspecified reasons. This suggests either a last-minute issue resolved before the final test or a deliberate retest after minor repairs, given no defects were logged in either. The trend is stable in terms of major mechanical failures, but the repeated retesting within a single month implies potential minor but unresolved concerns, possibly related to consumables or minor wear items that weren’t captured in the official record. The mileage accumulation of 6,702 miles per year aligns closely with the vehicle’s age, indicating typical usage without extreme high-mileage stress or prolonged neglect. However, the sparse MOT history—only three tests over the past three years—suggests either infrequent testing or a history of passing without advisories. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests spans nearly a full year, with mileage increasing by just 4,539 miles (from 109,393 to 113,934) over that period, which may reflect seasonal or light use. Without advisories or failures in the official records, there’s no clear evidence of deferred maintenance, but the retesting in 2025 hints at something being addressed just before certification. For a buyer, the absence of defects in the MOT history is positive, but the vehicle should be scrutinised for signs of deferred maintenance, particularly in areas prone to wear on a 17-year-old car. Pay close attention to the suspension—check for worn bushes, degraded coil springs, or uneven tyre wear, which could indicate alignment or steering issues. The brakes should be tested for binding or uneven pad wear, especially given the retesting in 2025, which may have masked a minor concern. Structural integrity is also critical; inspect for corrosion in wheel arches, sills, and underbody panels, as well as any signs of previous accident damage or poor repairs. While the MOT record shows no major red flags, a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly advised to confirm the absence of hidden issues.