2010 Citroen C3 1.4L Petrol · BN60 ABV

A pattern of recurring front suspension wear and persistent oil seepage defines the mechanical profile of this 2010 Citroen C3. Across the five recorded DVSA tests, the most recent pass on 5 December 2025 sits alongside a flagged nearside rear coil spring and a slight play in the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint, neither of which has yet escalated to a failure but both of which point to degrading front and rear suspension hardware. More tellingly, the 27 November 2024 test recorded a major failure for excessive play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, a steering component with direct implications for directional stability and tyre wear, and this is reinforced by the same test's advisory noting slightly uneven front tyre wear. The advisories for worn suspension arm pins and bushes on both nearside and offside front as far back as November 2022 suggest the wear pattern is progressive rather than resolved, while the recurring oil leak advisory across three consecutive tests indicates an unresolved seepage that has not yet been classified as excessive but warrants monitoring for residue on the engine and undertray. Recorded mileage stands at 71,128 miles over a sixteen-year life, equating to an annual accumulation of roughly 4,400 miles, which is notably below average for a vehicle of this age. While the gap between the December 2025 test and the November 2024 tests is consistent with normal annual mileage accumulation, the periods between tests prior to that show relatively modest accrual, indicating that this C3 has seen lighter than typical use. Low annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on high-mileage consumables such as the clutch, drivetrain and main braking surfaces, but it does not insulate the vehicle from age-related degradation of rubber components, flexible brake hoses, coolant seals and suspension bushes, all of which harden and deteriorate through time as much as through use. The 2022 advisory for pitted front brake discs and the 2025 advisory for tyres worn close to the legal limit and on the edges confirm that component wear is still progressing despite the modest distance covered. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas on any physical inspection and test drive are the front suspension and steering geometry. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly from the offside where the track rod end failed and the suspension arm pins were flagged, and feel for any vagueness, wandering or pulling in the steering that would indicate further deterioration of these joints since the December 2025 test. Inspect the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint for play by rocking the wheel at twelve and six o'clock, and check the nearside rear coil spring for any visible cracking, sagging or loss of ride height. Under the bonnet, examine the engine and surrounding components for fresh oil residue, particularly around the rocker cover gasket, sump and any turbo or cam seals given the leak has been flagged at three consecutive tests, and ask whether the source has been traced and rectified. On the road, test the brakes from higher speed for any judder, vibration through the pedal or pulling to one side consistent with the previously noted disc pitting, and verify that the rear tyres are not excessively worn on their edges, as this could indicate a remaining geometry issue following the track rod end replacement. Finally, confirm that the nearside registration plate lamp has been repaired and confirm a clear service record addressing the previously suspected loose spark plugs, as unresolved ignition components can mask or cause running issues.