2017 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · AF17 VMK

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 8 June 2026, although the test was accompanied by four advisories that warrant close attention. The front suspension arm pins or bushes were noted as worn on both the nearside and offside, the exhaust was observed to emit black smoke under acceleration, and the offside direction indicator was slightly damaged. While the overall pattern over recent years shows the vehicle passing each annual assessment, the accumulation and nature of the advisories suggest a maintenance trend that is gradually worsening rather than improving. A dangerous failure was logged at the 2024 test for excessively worn front tyres and front brake pads below the 1.5 mm minimum, which is a serious indicator that consumable braking and tyre components had been allowed to degrade significantly. Front brake discs have now been flagged across multiple tests as worn, pitted, or lipped, pointing to progressive deterioration of the braking system that will likely require renewed attention. With a recorded mileage of 71,551 miles over approximately nine years, this C3 has covered an average of around 7,950 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and suggests reasonably consistent usage rather than prolonged periods of standing. The relatively uniform annual mileage reduces the risk of calendar-related deterioration in items such as brake caliper binding, corrosion on brake surfaces, or severe flat-spotting and perishing of tyres through disuse. That said, the mileage is now considerable for a supermini of this vintage, and wear on suspension, drivetrain, clutch, and engine ancillaries will accumulate steadily at this rate. There are no obvious extended gaps in usage, so the mechanical implications are those normally associated with a moderately high-mileage, regularly driven car rather than the specific risks attached to low-mileage or stored examples. Given the recurring advisories on the front suspension arm pins and bushes, a prospective buyer should closely inspect the front suspension for any clonking or knocking noises over speed humps, uneven or inner-edge tyre wear indicating geometry disturbance, and excessive play when the wheels are rocked by hand. The 2024 advisories for pitted and scored front brake discs suggest that judder under braking, particularly at speed, and a reduced pedal response should be tested for, and the discs themselves should be physically examined for thickness, lipping, and hot spots. The front brake pads were deemed thin as recently as 2023 and dangerously worn in 2024, so confirmation of recent pad and disc replacement, along with the condition of the flexible brake hoses and caliper slide pins, is strongly advised. The exhaust black smoke advisory warrants a cold-start inspection for visible smoke, an assessment of turbo or induction condition if applicable, and confirmation that the diesel particulate filter has completed successful regenerations if this is a diesel variant. Beyond the items flagged in the MOT record, general age- and mileage-related checks remain important. All four tyres should be examined for both tread depth and sidewall cracking or perishing, as the 2025 advisories on the rear tyres indicate this is already a developing concern. Brake fluid should be confirmed as recently changed, as hygroscopic moisture absorption over nine years can lower the boiling point and impair braking performance. Coolant condition, the timing belt or chain service interval, and the health of the 12V battery should also be verified, particularly as battery degradation accelerates in older vehicles irrespective of mileage. Finally, it is prudent to inspect for any oil or coolant leaks from the engine and ancillaries, check that the service book contains stamps at appropriate intervals, and ensure the advisories relating to the direction indicator and wing mirror have been rectified, as these minor items can otherwise accumulate into an MOT failure in the coming year.