CITROEN XSARA2001 · 2.0L DIESEL

The vehicle is not currently roadworthy. The last MOT expired on 14 October 2016 with a failure notice for multiple serious defects, including an excessively corroded centre rear brake pipe and a near-side rear tyre with exposed cords. This represents a clear deterioration from the 2015 test, where advisories for slight wishbone bush movement preceded failures for corroded suspension mounting points and worn brake discs. The maintenance trend is demonstrably worsening, with critical safety components failing or being flagged with severe corrosion in the final recorded tests. Mileage accumulation appears very light at approximately 5,800 miles per year based on the recorded 136,102 miles in July 2015 rising to 145,114 miles in October 2016. However, the complete absence of any MOT record for the subsequent ten years is the dominant concern. This nine-year gap means the vehicle's operational and safety status is entirely unknown, regardless of the previously low annual mileage. The history is effectively frozen in a failed state from 2016, offering no assurance of any subsequent maintenance, repair, or even basic legality for road use. A buyer must prioritise an immediate and thorough physical inspection focused on the recurring failure points. The history flags severe corrosion in prescribed structural areas, specifically the near-side rear suspension mounting and the near-side seat belt anchorage from the 2015 test. The brake system requires urgent assessment for pipe corrosion and disc condition, as does the exhaust for leaks. The split near-side front steering rack gaiter noted in 2016 will have permitted dirt and moisture ingress, likely compromising the rack seals. The condition of the near-side rear tyre with previously exposed cords must be verified, along with all lighting and the fog lamp. Given the age, the decade-long MOT lapse, and the documented history of structural corrosion and critical component failure, the vehicle presents a significant risk. The low recorded mileage does not mitigate the severe age-related deterioration evident in the final test records. A comprehensive inspection by a qualified technician is essential before any consideration of purchase, with particular emphasis on underbody corrosion, braking integrity, and steering gear condition.