2010 Citroen C3 1.6L Diesel · BJ10 YPU

The MOT history for this 2010 Citroen C3 reveals a pattern of recurring mechanical failures and deferred maintenance. In the most recent test in April 2026 at 79,283 miles, the vehicle passed despite noted oil mist on the nearside front shock absorber and a severely deteriorated offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover. This follows a failure just one day prior at 79,277 miles where the tester flagged a split CV boot, insufficient washer fluid, and an incorrectly aimed headlamp. While the immediate safety failures were addressed, the presence of leaking shocks suggests the suspension components are reaching the end of their functional life. At 79,283 miles over 16 years, the vehicle has been used fewer than 5,000 miles per year. This low usage often correlates with the degradation of rubber components due to age, which is evident in the record. Between 2022 and 2025, the car consistently presented issues with corroded coil springs, perished brake hoses, and defective exhaust mounts. The fracture of the offside rear coil spring in May 2025 at 78,360 miles indicates that the suspension assembly is under significant stress or advanced corrosion despite the low mileage driven. The braking system shows a history of inconsistency. Records from 2023 and 2024 highlight binding brakes and imbalanced braking performance, with a mechanical fault identified on the rolling road. Furthermore, the 2022 failure noted a nearside front brake disc that was seriously weakened due to corrosion. While the current certificate is valid, a buyer should thoroughly inspect the state of the brake lines and the integrity of the rear calipers, as the data suggests the vehicle is prone to reactive rather than proactive maintenance.