2014 Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6L Diesel · BX64 AOB

The vehicle shows signs of a worsening maintenance trend, evidenced by a significant failure in June 2026. While the June 8, 2026, test at 88,577 miles resulted in a pass, the preceding failure just five days earlier on June 3, 2026, revealed a serious structural issue where an offside mounting bolt for the subframe had snapped. This indicates a sudden deterioration in structural integrity that was not present during the clean pass in June 2025. The presence of recurring tyre wear issues and deteriorating anti-roll bar components suggests that while the car is being kept running, reactive repairs are being prioritised over proactive component replacement. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a typical usage pattern for a twelve-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,381 miles per year. The record shows steady progress from 31,893 miles in 2017 to 88,577 miles in 2026. There are no significant gaps in the testing frequency, which implies the vehicle has been in regular use. However, the jump from 60,389 miles in 2020 to 71,487 miles in 2022 shows a slightly higher period of activity compared to the more recent, slower accumulation of miles seen between 2024 and 2026. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and suspension systems. The recent subframe failure is a major concern and requires verification that the mounting point has been professionally repaired and is not suffering from advanced corrosion. The history shows a persistent pattern of uneven tyre wear, specifically on the inner edges, which was flagged in 2022, 2023, and 2026. This strongly suggests underlying issues with wheel alignment or worn suspension bushes. The tester also noted worn suspension arm bushes in August 2023, so the condition of all front-end bushings and ball joints should be checked. Brake components also warrant close scrutiny. The record shows a history of pitted and scored discs, alongside fluctuating service brakes in August 2022 and worn pads in 2018. Although the most recent tests did not flag braking issues, the recurring nature of these consumable faults suggests the braking system may be nearing a period of required maintenance. Finally, check the condition of the lighting and electrical components, as headlamp aim and registration plate lamps have been frequent causes of failure throughout the vehicle's life.