2022 Citroen C3 C-Series Puretech S/S 1.2L Petrol · BF22 WVW

A very sparse MOT history accompanies this 2022 Citroen C3, with only two tests recorded across the four years since registration, and the most recent examination on 13 May 2026 returning a Pass alongside a single advisory for the nearside front tyre being worn close to the legal limit and on its edge. The 2025 test was completely clean with no advisories or failures recorded, so the short-term trend is benign, though the absence of any prior test entries means there is no longer pattern against which the wear rate of components can be judged. What the file does show is that the nearside front tyre has reached the end of its useful life considerably sooner than the offside, which is mechanically significant because uneven shoulder wear on a single front tyre typically points to either a geometry issue, a worn suspension component on that corner, or a binding brake element pulling the tyre across the road surface under cornering load. The recorded mileage of 15,023 miles against a four-year age equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 3,756 miles, which is substantially below the typical usage rate for a car of this age and is consistent with a vehicle that has either covered predominantly short urban journeys or spent extended periods stationary between uses. Mechanically, this usage profile has mixed implications: brake discs and pads will have experienced minimal frictional wear and are unlikely to require imminent replacement, the clutch and manual transmission internals will have seen limited engagement cycles, and general drivetrain wear will be low. Conversely, low annual mileage combined with short-trip usage tends to promote moisture accumulation in the engine oil, corrosion on underbody components from infrequent drying cycles, and accelerated deterioration of rubber items such as tyres, bushes, and drive belts, the last of which is particularly relevant to the Puretech three-cylinder petrol unit where auxiliary drive components are known to age regardless of mileage. Given the advisory recorded against the nearside front tyre, a prospective buyer should carry out a careful inspection of the front suspension geometry and corner-specific components before purchase. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noise from the nearside front when traversing speed bumps or potholes, which would suggest worn suspension bushes, a failing top mount, or play in the wishbone link. Pay particular attention to steering behaviour: any pulling to the left under braking or steady throttle, vibration through the steering wheel, or uneven self-centring would indicate that the tyre wear is being driven by a geometry or brake-related fault rather than simple age. Inspect the nearside front brake caliper for signs of sticking, uneven pad deposition on the disc, or a corroded piston, all of which can produce the shoulder wear pattern recorded at test. Beyond the flagged tyre, the Puretech engine in this C3 warrants specific attention on the test drive, as the three-cylinder unit is known to suffer from premature timing belt wear and occasional oil consumption issues that may not surface in MOT testing. Listen for any rough idle, tapping from the cambelt area on cold start, or visible oil misting around the cam cover and lower engine block. Check the coolant level and condition carefully, as the Puretech family has a documented history of coolant system pressurisation faults, and verify that the oil filler cap is clean and free of mayonnaise-like residue which would indicate head gasket or moisture issues. Finally, confirm that the tyre being replaced is fitted in a matched pair on the front axle, as the recorded edge wear on a single unit makes it essential that the replacement tyre is of equivalent size, load index, and speed rating to maintain handling balance and avoid triggering further MOT advisories at the next test.