2012 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · AF62 MHO

A chronic and worsening pattern of brake-related advisories combined with an exhaust-related dangerous failure defines the mechanical profile of this C4 over the last two testing cycles. The January 2025 test stands out as the most serious point in the record, when the vehicle was presented with a dangerous defect recorded against central front exhaust fumes causing a danger to health of persons on board, resulting in a failed test that same day alongside front and rear brake disc and pad advisories. The vehicle subsequently passed the same day on a re-test, and by the January 2026 examination the brake items had been resolved, but new advisories appeared on both rear tyres for wear close to the legal limit and on the edge, along with a minor headlamp lens defect. The overall trajectory suggests the braking system and exhaust have been the principal areas of mechanical concern, with tyres now emerging as a fresh wear item as mileage accumulates. Annual mileage for this fourteen-year-old vehicle sits at roughly 8,913 miles per year, which is broadly consistent with typical usage for a car of this age and indicates a fairly average accumulation rather than excessive high-mileage running or extended periods of standing. There are no conspicuous gaps in the MOT testing record, with annual tests consistently recorded from 2023 through 2026, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use and on the road throughout this period. This steady usage pattern means wear on consumables such as brake components, tyres, suspension bushes, and exhaust mountings should track roughly proportionally with age and mileage, and the recent advisory cluster aligns with that expectation rather than pointing to any unusual mechanical stress. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas for physical inspection should be the braking components and the exhaust system, as these are the items the MOT history has repeatedly flagged. The brake discs were recorded as pitted or scored at both axles, and even though the 2026 test produced a pass, the wear pattern on a car of this age and mileage often returns, so on a test drive any vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, a pulsing brake pedal, or grinding noises from the caliper area would warrant immediate further inspection of disc runout and pad material remaining. With rear tyres having been flagged as worn close to the legal limit and on the edge in January 2026, the nearside and offside rear tyres will almost certainly need replacement if not already attended to, and uneven edge wear can sometimes point to alignment or suspension geometry issues, so any pulling to one side under braking or steady cruising should be noted. The exhaust system deserves particular attention given the dangerous failure recorded in 2025. A thorough under-bonnet and under-vehicle check should look for signs of exhaust gas leaks at the front section, deteriorated flexible joints, corroded downpipe or manifold gaskets, and any staining or soot deposits that would indicate continuing fume ingress into the cabin. On a test drive, listen for any ticking or blowing noise from the front exhaust area at idle that intensifies with revs, and be alert to any smell of exhaust fumes inside the passenger compartment, which would replicate the conditions of the prior failure. The headlamp lens defect recorded as a minor in the most recent test should also be visually confirmed, as moisture ingress or heavy oxidation behind a lens can progress to a more serious condition and may warrant a refurbishment or replacement if visibility is noticeably impaired at night.