2009 Citroen C3 1.6L Petrol · AV09 HSL

This particular C3 presents a confusing and somewhat concerning MOT history that demands careful scrutiny, primarily because it sits against an unusually high failure-to-pass ratio. Across three testing cycles spanning 2022 through 2025, the vehicle has been presented for test on five occasions, failing twice and passing three times. The most recent test on 8 April 2025 resulted in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, but this followed a failed attempt just six days earlier on 2 April 2025. A similar pattern is visible in June 2023, where a failure was immediately followed by a pass on the same day, and again in June 2022 when the vehicle passed cleanly. The immediate retest-and-repair sequence suggests the vehicle has historically required rectification work between tests to achieve roadworthiness, even if the eventual pass certificates carry no recorded defects. For a prospective buyer, this pattern warrants direct questioning about what specifically was addressed at each failed presentation and whether documentary evidence of those repairs exists. The mileage profile for this 2009 example shows 119,636 miles accumulated over approximately 17 years, equating to roughly 7,037 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with average usage for a vehicle of this age. However, the testing cadence itself reveals an inconsistent engagement with the MOT process. There are notable gaps, with no recorded tests between June 2023 and April 2025, a period of nearly two years. This could indicate the vehicle was either off the road, exempt from testing requirements during a specific window, or simply not presented. Given the relatively high annual mileage when in use, any period out of testing suggests the car may have been unused or under-resourced during that interval. Mechanical implications of an inconsistent usage pattern combined with high mileage include accelerated wear on ageing components such as suspension bushes, engine mounts, and brake system elements, particularly given the C3's known susceptibility to rear axle and trailing arm corrosion in later life. From a targeted inspection standpoint, although no specific advisories are recorded on the presented history, the immediate retest failures strongly suggest that previously flagged components were rectified just prior to test, meaning the underlying wear has not been eliminated but merely addressed. Particular attention should be paid to the rear suspension assembly, as C3 models of this generation are notorious for corrosion forming on the rear beam axle and associated mounting points, which can compromise structural integrity and handling. During a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, and check for any lateral instability or wandering behaviour during cornering that might indicate degraded rear axle bushes. Inspect the underside thoroughly for any evidence of fresh underseal or repair welding that could be masking active corrosion, particularly around the rear beam mounting brackets and the exhaust mounting points. The braking system on a high-mileage C3 of this vintage warrants close physical examination even though no defects were logged at the most recent test. With 119,636 miles of accumulated use, brake discs are likely to be approaching or have already passed their service life multiple times, and the calipers and slide pins will have endured significant wear cycles. On a test drive, evaluate for any pulling to one side under firm braking, a spongy or excessively long brake pedal travel, or any vibration felt through the steering wheel or brake pedal, the latter typically indicating disc runout or uneven pad transfer. Additionally, examine the visible brake pipes and flexible hoses for any signs of corrosion, cracking, or weeping, as brake line deterioration is a common failure point on older French vehicles. Given the pattern of retest failures, it would also be prudent to verify the integrity of the steering rack and track rod ends for any play or knocking, and to confirm that the emissions system, particularly the exhaust downpipe and catalytic converter mounting, remains structurally sound, as exhaust defects are a frequent cause of test failure on higher-mileage petrol vehicles of this era.