2006 Citroen Xsara 1.6L Petrol · CE06 AEK

The MOT history for this 2006 Citroen Xsara reveals a pattern of structural degradation and deferred maintenance. The most recent test in November 2025 at 72,587 miles passed, though it highlighted minor defects such as defective headlamp lenses and an inoperative fog light. Looking back, the vehicle failed in November 2024 at 71,623 miles due to a faulty seat belt buckle and perished anti-roll bar linkage boots. While these specific items were addressed, the advisories show a persistent trend of corrosion on the sills and the exhaust system, suggesting a reactive approach where repairs involve temporary fixes like welding rather than replacement. At 72,587 miles over 20 years, the vehicle has averaged only about 3,600 miles per year. This low-use profile often correlates with age-related decay rather than mechanical wear. The record confirms this through frequent mentions of perished rubber and surface rust. Significant corrosion on the offside outer sill and inner sills at the rear, which led to a structural failure in 2023, has been present since 2022. The steering rack gaitor is also a recurring concern, with multiple reports of splits and repairs using RTV, indicating a potential risk of steering component failure. The suspension and braking components show clear signs of ongoing neglect. The front wishbone rear bushes were noted as split and weak as early as 2021, and a fractured offside coil spring caused a failure in 2023. Additionally, the tyres are frequently described as perished or cracking, which is a common symptom of a car sitting for long periods. The headlamps have consistently been described as opaque or providing poor beam images for several years, necessitating replacement. A buyer should closely inspect the structural integrity of the sills and the condition of the steering rack to ensure the reported corrosion has not progressed beyond the point of viable repairs.