2023 Citroen C5 Aircross C-Series ED Phev A 1.6L Hybrid electric · AV23 BBO

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 17 March 2026 returned a pass with no defects recorded, which is the positive outcome any prospective buyer will wish to see. However, it is important to note that a failed advisory and dangerous entry were logged on the same date prior to the pass, indicating the vehicle was almost certainly presented for retest immediately after the necessary tyre replacements were carried out. The maintenance trend cannot therefore be regarded as stable on the strength of this single clean test alone. The recorded issues were tyre related rather than mechanical, but four simultaneous defects across both axles suggest either an absence of routine tyre inspection prior to the test or an owner addressing long-standing wear in a single intervention. The absence of any other advisories is encouraging, but the buyer should treat this as a baseline rather than proof of overall condition. The recorded mileage of 48,278 miles over approximately three years equates to around 16,000 miles annually, which is notably high for a vehicle of this age. For a plug-in hybrid C5 Aircross, this is consistent with substantial mixed-use, including a meaningful proportion of longer journeys given the accumulated distance. Higher annual mileage of this nature accelerates wear on consumable items such as brake pads, discs, and tyres, and places greater demand on the suspension components, including coil springs, dampers, and bushes. Equally, it tends to keep the internal combustion engine and associated emissions equipment well exercised, which is generally beneficial for a PHEV that might otherwise suffer from infrequent use of its petrol unit. The continuous running pattern evident from the mileage makes standing-related problems less likely than on a low-mileage example. Given the tyre-related failures on the most recent test, a thorough inspection of all four tyres should be a priority before purchase. The advisories regarding nearside edge wear on both front and rear suggest a possible alignment or camber issue on that side, and the buyer should look closely for uneven or feathered tread across the axle. A test drive over uneven surfaces should be used to listen for any suspension clonks, knocking from worn bushes, or knocking from anti-roll bar drop links, which would be consistent with the higher annual mileage. The brake pedal feel should be assessed for firmness, and the vehicle should be observed from a standstill for any pulling to one side that might indicate a binding caliper. Given the high mileage, brake pad and disc thickness should be measured directly, as these components will inevitably be nearer to a replacement threshold than on a lower-mileage equivalent. For a PHEV of this age and mileage, the buyer should also pay close attention to the high-voltage battery state of charge and any warning messages on the instrument cluster, as well as verifying the charging cable and port condition. The 12V auxiliary battery should be checked for holding charge, particularly if the vehicle has spent time standing. Although the MOT record is clean beyond the tyre issues, the buyer should confirm that routine servicing has been completed in accordance with Citroen schedules, including brake fluid renewal, coolant replacement, and transmission fluid checks where applicable. Tyres fitted as replacements should be examined for age codes on the sidewalls, as fitments to replace the failed items may be recent but of unknown provenance. Finally, the plug-in hybrid system should be exercised on both modes during any test drive to confirm smooth transition between electric and combustion operation, listening for any irregular engine running that might indicate a neglected petrol unit rarely used under load.