2020 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · AR04 DEN

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 3 April 2026, resulted in a pass, though two advisory items were recorded. These concerned an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on its edge, and an offside front suspension arm pin or bush showing wear at the rear bush without excessive movement. When reviewing the broader MOT history, a clear pattern emerges regarding the front suspension components. Advisories relating to suspension arm pins or bushes on both the nearside and offside front have been noted in 2025 and again in 2026, with the 2023 test additionally mentioning a wishbone bush beginning to split. This indicates a progressive deterioration of the front suspension bushings rather than a stable condition. While the vehicle has consistently passed its annual assessments without any failure items, the recurrence of similar advisories over successive tests suggests that the rubber suspension components are reaching the end of their effective service life and will likely require replacement in the near future. The 2024 test was notably clean, which simply reflects the absence of recorded advisories rather than a reversal of the underlying wear trend. With 39,166 miles recorded over approximately six years, this Citroen C1 has covered around 6,528 miles annually, placing it squarely within typical usage parameters for its age and class. There are no conspicuous gaps in the testing record that would suggest long periods of inactivity, nor are there any signs of unusually rapid mileage accumulation that might indicate excessive motorway use or short-trip wear patterns. The relatively modest annual mileage is consistent with predominantly urban or light mixed driving, which is the typical operational environment for a vehicle of this size and category. Mechanical implications of this usage profile generally include accelerated wear on braking components due to frequent low-speed stops, and a higher likelihood of undertray or brake disc surface corrosion if the car is regularly driven in damp conditions or used for short journeys where components do not fully dry or heat cycle. Given the recurring advisories on the front suspension components, particular attention should be paid to this area during a physical inspection and test drive. A thorough examination of the front wishbones, bushes, and anti-roll bar drop links is essential, as perished or splitting rubber bushes can cause clonking noises over speed humps, uneven front tyre wear, and vague or imprecise steering. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocks or squeaks emanating from the front suspension when traversing uneven road surfaces, and feel for any wandering or instability from the steering, which can indicate excessive play in worn bushes. It would also be prudent to inspect the inner edges of the front tyres for uneven wear patterns, as worn suspension components frequently manifest as accelerated or feathered wear on one shoulder. Additionally, the brake disc and pad advisories recorded in 2023 should prompt a check of the current pad material thickness and a visual inspection of the brake discs for lipping, corrosion, or surface pitting, which are common on vehicles with modest mileage that may experience periods of light use. Beyond the documented advisories, a prospective buyer should also conduct several age and mileage appropriate checks that may not be visible on an MOT certificate. The tyre recorded as worn close to the legal limit in the most recent test will almost certainly require replacement, and all four tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking or perishing, a common issue on lower mileage vehicles where the rubber degrades with age rather than wear. The 12-volt battery should be tested for its state of health, as batteries typically require replacement every five to six years regardless of mileage, particularly on vehicles with stop-start systems. A thorough inspection underneath the vehicle for fluid leaks, corroded brake lines, or exhaust system deterioration is also recommended, alongside verification of the service book stamps to ensure that essential time-based maintenance items such as engine coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil have been renewed at the manufacturer specified intervals. Any hesitation, rough running, or warning lights during a test drive should be investigated immediately, as these can be early indicators of underlying mechanical or electrical issues in a vehicle of this age.