2006 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · CE06 ABX

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2006 Citroen C1 was conducted on 20 February 2026, resulting in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded. The vehicle has therefore achieved a clean bill of roadworthiness at its latest assessment, and it is worth noting that the prior test on 24 February 2025 also resulted in a pass with no recorded defects. Both 2024 and 2025 entries show a pass immediately following a same-day failed re-test, but in both instances the failure records carry no defect details, which typically indicates that the failures were administrative in nature, related to items such as tyre condition or light bulb failures rectified on site, or simply retests performed shortly after a previous presentation. Taken as a whole, the maintenance trend appears stable rather than worsening, as the most recent two consecutive passes with no advisories suggest that any underlying issues have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained in a consistent state of roadworthiness. The recorded mileage of 113,196 miles on a 2006 vehicle represents an annualised average of approximately 5,660 miles per year, which is notably below the typical usage profile for a car of this age. Such low average mileage can indicate either genuinely light use over the years or, more likely given the total accumulation, extended periods of standing or very infrequent driving interspersed with longer journeys. From a mechanical perspective, low annual mileage brings its own specific concerns that diverge from those associated with high-mileage wear. Components that suffer more from disuse and calendar age than from distance travelled become the primary areas of concern, including corrosion on brake discs from standing, potential binding of brake calipers, degradation of rubber and polymer components through age, and possible issues with fuel system seals and the 12-volt battery. Given the clean MOT history and the relatively low annual mileage, prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on age-related degradation rather than wear-based concerns. The tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, perishing, and deterioration of the rubber compound, as tyres older than five to six years can lose elasticity and grip even if the tread depth appears adequate; the production date code on the sidewall should be checked to confirm the tyres are within a safe age range. Brake components are a priority for road test evaluation, as the discs may have developed surface corrosion or the calipers may be binding from extended standing, which typically manifests as uneven braking, pulling to one side under braking, or a grinding or scraping noise from the front wheels when first moving off. During the test drive, listen for any suspension clunks or knocking over uneven road surfaces, which could indicate perished bushes, weakened coil springs, or worn shock absorber mounts, all of which are common on a vehicle of this age. Additionally, verify the condition of the 12-volt battery, as batteries that have sat partially discharged or have not been regularly maintained often fail suddenly, and confirm that all fluid services, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission oil, have been performed on a calendar basis rather than purely mileage-based intervals. Beyond the mechanical items, a thorough pre-purchase evaluation should include verification of the service book or digital service records to confirm that time-based services have been carried out at appropriate intervals, particularly given the low annual mileage which means the vehicle may not have triggered mileage-based service reminders. The exhaust system should be inspected for corrosion, particularly at the mounting points and joints, as twenty-year-old exhaust components are prone to failure regardless of mileage. Check for any signs of fluid leaks beneath the vehicle on the ground after standing, paying particular attention to the engine sump, coolant hoses, and brake lines, all of which can degrade with age. Finally, ensure that the vehicle starts promptly from cold without excessive cranking, that all electrical systems function correctly including lighting and dashboard instruments, and that there are no warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster after the engine has reached operating temperature, as any of these could indicate developing issues that have not yet been formally recorded on an MOT test.