2014 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · AE64 RYC

A pattern of chronic steering and suspension wear dominates the mechanical profile of this 2014 Citroen C4, supported by a DVSA history that shows six tests passed against two failures since 2021, with multiple recurring advisories that have never fully cleared. The most recent test on 2026-02-23 was a pass, but the near-side front track rod end ball joint play and sub-frame pin or bush wear flagged in 2025 represent components that have a habit of deteriorating progressively rather than self-correcting. The offside front tyre wearing on edge in both 2025 and 2022, alongside a damaged valve stem that has appeared on four consecutive tests from 2023 to 2026, points to geometry concerns that may not have been rectified. The offside rear service brake binding advisory from 2024 is a particularly relevant concern for a buyer, as binding calipers generate heat, accelerate pad and disc wear unevenly, and frequently indicate a seized slider mechanism on the C4's rear caliper assembly. Against an age of approximately twelve years, the recorded mileage of 84,682 equates to an average of roughly 7,057 miles annually, which sits within the expected band for a vehicle of this vintage and indicates no significant periods off the road based on the annual testing cadence from 2021 onwards. There are no gaps in MOT coverage, with tests recorded in each year from 2021 through 2026, suggesting the vehicle has been in continuous use. Mechanically, this usage level points to moderate but steady wear on consumables and suspension components rather than the accelerated degradation often associated with high-mileage examples, though the recurring advisories demonstrate that even at this mileage the front-end components and brake system are showing the typical cumulative wear of a C4 approaching its second decade. For a prospective buyer, the near-side front suspension geometry warrants close physical inspection. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps or potholes, particularly on left-hand inputs, and feel for vagueness or a slight delay in steering response that would indicate the track rod end play has progressed beyond the advisory threshold. Inspect the near-side front sub-frame mounting bush for any visible cracking, separation from the metal shell, or excessive free-play when the engine is revved with the bonnet open, as perished bushes allow drivetrain shunt and can mask more serious subframe corrosion. Check the offside rear brake for signs of a binding caliper by feeling for excessive heat at the wheel centre immediately after driving, comparing rotor temperature to the opposite side, and observing whether the vehicle pulls under light braking. The recurring tyre edge wear advisories across multiple years suggest that a four-wheel alignment check should be carried out as a priority, and the buyer should budget for replacement front tyres and tracking correction before delivery. The wheel-related advisories also merit direct attention during any physical appraisal. A slightly distorted near-side rear road wheel has been flagged in three of the last four tests, and while this remains within advisory criteria, a deformed rim can cause persistent tyre deflation, vibration through the steering at motorway speeds, and uneven tyre wear patterns. Inspect both rear rims for visible lateral run-out when the wheel is rotated by hand, check for signs of kerb impact damage on the outer flange, and verify that tyres are holding pressure without slow leakage. The insecure rear registration plate failure from the 2022 PRS entry is a minor administrative item, but ensure the current plate fixing is sound and that both registration plate lamps illuminate correctly, as the most recent test recorded an inoperative offside plate lamp. Finally, given the age of the vehicle, a thorough inspection of the underbody for corrosion, particularly around the subframe, suspension mounting points, and brake pipe runs, would be prudent, as MOT advisory categories cannot capture surface rust that may be advancing beneath underseal.