2012 Citroen C3 1.6L Diesel · AP12 FTF

The most recent MOT for this 2012 Citroen C3 was a pass on 18 September 2025, following a failure the previous day due to a fractured nearside front coil spring. While the vehicle has successfully passed its latest inspection, the overall maintenance trend suggests a pattern of reactive rather than preventative upkeep. There is a recurring history of minor electrical issues, specifically the nearside registration plate lamp, and a persistent trend of advisory items relating to exhaust mountings and suspension components that appear to linger across multiple test cycles. The presence of multiple advisories in the most recent test indicates that while the vehicle is currently legal, several mechanical components are nearing the end of their serviceable life and will require attention in the near future. With approximately 98,919 miles recorded over 14 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 7,066 miles per year. This is considered low to moderate usage, which is typical for a secondary or urban-run vehicle. While lower annual mileage generally implies less wear on the drivetrain and engine internals, it can often lead to other issues such as component perishing or corrosion due to infrequent use. In this specific case, the MOT history confirms that the lower mileage has not prevented the degradation of rubber components, as evidenced by repeated advisories regarding tyre cracking and perishing, as well as worn suspension bushes. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the suspension and exhaust systems during a test drive. The most recent advisory notes worn suspension arm pins or bushes on both front sides, which typically manifest as knocking or clunking noises when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps. Furthermore, the broken front and rear exhaust hangers mentioned in the 2025 report suggest the exhaust system may lack stability; listen for excessive vibration or rattling from the underside of the car. The repeated advisories regarding front brake discs being worn, pitted, or scored suggest that the braking system is subject to significant wear or perhaps corrosion from periods of standing. During your test drive, check for any brake shudder or pulsation through the pedal, which would indicate warped or unevenly worn discs. Tyre condition is another area of concern that requires physical verification. The history shows a long-standing issue with tyre perishing, cracking, and sidewall damage, alongside a recent advisory for the nearside front tyre being worn close to the legal limit. You should inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, which indicates age-related rubber degradation, and ensure the tread depth is well above the legal minimum across the entire width of the tyre to avoid uneven wear. Additionally, given the age of the vehicle and the pattern of minor electrical failures, it is advisable to verify the health of the 12V battery and ensure all exterior lighting, beyond just the registration plate lamp, is functioning correctly to avoid immediate post-purchase repairs.