2016 Citroen C1 1.2L Petrol · BP66 CZZ

The most recent DVSA MOT test on this 2016 Citroen C1, conducted on 18 November 2025, resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, though it should be noted that the same date also carries a failure entry relating to the offside rear position lamp showing white light to the rear. This is typically a lens condensation or fitment issue rather than a fundamental mechanical concern, but it should be verified as rectified on the vehicle. Reviewing the broader trajectory, the maintenance trend appears largely stable but with one significant cluster of brake-related defects flagged in November 2023. That earlier test recorded dangerous failures on both front brake discs (weakened condition) and nearside front brake pads (below the 1.5mm minimum), alongside advisories for worn anti-roll bar linkage pins or bushes on both sides at the front. A subsequent pass in November 2024 was clean, suggesting remedial work was undertaken, and the most recent pass supports a generally well-maintained picture, though the braking and anti-roll bar items warrant closer physical scrutiny during any viewing. With recorded mileage of 26,899 miles over approximately ten years, this C1 has averaged around 2,690 miles annually, which is well below the typical 6,000 to 8,000 miles per year expected for an urban runabout. While low mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain parts such as the clutch, gearbox and engine internals, it introduces its own set of age-related concerns. Long periods of standing or infrequent use can accelerate corrosion on brake discs, promote binding in calipers, degrade the 12V battery through repeated shallow discharge cycles, and cause seals and flexible hoses to perish from lack of flexing. The single mileage jump visible between MOT entries should also be checked for consistency against the V5C and service records, and any extended gaps between advisories resolved. Given the brake disc and pad defects flagged as dangerous in 2023, a prospective buyer should physically inspect both front discs for lipping, scoring, or excessive run-out, and check the pad material thickness through the caliper aperture where possible. Uneven tyre wear, pulling to one side under braking, or a brake pedal that requires excessive travel would indicate incomplete repair. The anti-roll bar linkage advisories from the same test relate to the drop links or their rubber bushes, which can produce clonking noises over speed humps, uneven bumps, or during direction changes at low speed; listen carefully for any slack or rattle from the front suspension during a test drive, and examine the bushes for cracking or separation. The advisory for a slightly high handbrake lever from 2022 may simply reflect cable stretch adjustment and is of low concern, but a test on an incline should confirm positive holding. Beyond the recorded items, age-appropriate checks remain essential on a low-mileage ten-year-old vehicle. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing from age, regardless of tread depth, as rubber degrades chemically over time, and verify that the manufacturing date code on the sidewall is not excessively old. Examine the exhaust system for corrosion at the mounting brackets, flexi section, and rear silencer, given ten winters of road salt exposure. Check that the brake fluid and coolant have been changed on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, as hygroscopic moisture absorption degrades brake fluid regardless of use. Confirm the 12V battery holds voltage under load and has been replaced within the last four to five years, and verify that the cam belt or chain service interval, along with the most recent oil and filter change, is documented in the service book to protect the long-term integrity of the small three-cylinder engine.