2002 Citroen C3 1.6L Petrol · AY52 HWV

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend that appears to be worsening as it ages. While the most recent test on 15 October 2025 at 125,817 miles resulted in a pass, the preceding day's failure highlighted multiple significant issues including a serious fluid leak from the offside rear shock absorber, an exhaust lambda reading outside specified limits, and worn front brake discs. The recurring nature of these faults suggests that while the car is being kept roadworthy through reactive repairs, the underlying mechanical degradation is accelerating. The mileage profile indicates low annual usage, averaging approximately 5,242 miles per year over its 24-year lifespan. This pattern is evident in the jump from 105,455 miles in July 2024 to 125,817 miles in October 2025. While low mileage often implies less drivetrain wear, the MOT history shows this vehicle has likely suffered from the side effects of infrequent use, such as tyre perishing and corrosion. The record shows a consistent pattern of neglected consumables, particularly tyres, which have frequently appeared near the legal limit or with structural damage in tests dating back to 2021. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity and suspension components. The record shows a long-term issue with corrosion, specifically regarding the offside rear suspension component mounting area and the brake pipes, which have been flagged for corrosion repeatedly since at least 2018. The tester also noted corrosion on the rear coil springs in multiple tests between 2017 and 2020. It is vital to check the sills and mounting points for any signs of advancing structural rot that could compromise the chassis. Further attention should be directed toward the braking system and suspension geometry. The front brake discs were flagged as pitted or scored in both 2018 and 2025, suggesting a tendency for the braking components to degrade when not frequently used. Given the recent failure of the offside rear shock absorber and the history of worn anti-roll bar linkages and ball joints, the entire suspension system should be checked for play, leaks, or perished rubber bushes. Finally, the recent exhaust emissions failure warrants an investigation into the engine's combustion efficiency and sensor health.