2009 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · CE09 CTV

The vehicle achieved a PASS on its most recent MOT test conducted on 22 October 2025, with no defects or advisories recorded. However, this followed a FAIL on the immediately preceding date of 21 October 2025, where two major defects were identified alongside a related advisory. The earlier advisories from 2023 and 2024 concerning front suspension arm rear bushes, front tyre wear on the nearside edge, and rear tyre cracking and perishing suggest that while the vehicle has now returned to a clean test pass, the underlying suspension components were only very recently attended to. The maintenance trend over the recorded period is therefore best characterised as having been stable but with a late-stage intervention required to address worn suspension components; the absence of any advisories at the latest test is a positive indicator, though buyers should remain mindful that the suspension repair is very recent and warrants verification of what work was actually carried out. With 86,866 miles recorded over approximately 17 years of service, the vehicle has averaged roughly 5,110 miles per year, which is notably low for its age and indicates either predominantly short-trip, light-duty use or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage has mechanical implications that diverge from those of a high-mileage example; while major wear items such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain are likely to be in comparatively good condition, prolonged standing accelerates degradation of rubber components, brake components, and electrical systems. Buyers should interpret the relatively clean MOT history in this context, as lower-use vehicles can present calendar-related wear that does not necessarily correlate with odometer readings. Given the history of front suspension arm rear bush wear, a physical inspection of the front suspension is essential. The 2024 advisory noted debonding of both front lower arm rear bushes, escalating to a major failure by October 2025 on the offside. When inspecting, pay particular attention to any clunking or knocking noises transmitted through the front end when traversing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, as well as any vagueness in steering response or uneven tyre wear across the front axle. If the recent repair utilised aftermarket or reconditioned components, request the invoice and confirm whether both sides were replaced; if only the failed side was renewed, the nearside bush, which was also flagged, may still be approaching the end of its service life. A thorough test drive on varied road surfaces, including undulating tarmac and rougher secondary roads, will help reveal any remaining wear in the front suspension geometry. Beyond the recorded suspension concerns, the age and modest mileage of this vehicle warrant a focused inspection of components susceptible to time-related deterioration. Tyre sidewalls and tread should be carefully examined for perishing and cracking, as evidenced by the 2023 advisories; even if the tyres have been renewed since, the wheels themselves should be checked for kerb damage and corrosion. The 12V battery is highly likely to be approaching the end of its functional life given the vehicle's age and should be load-tested or replaced preventatively. Brake calipers, particularly at the rear, are prone to seizing on vehicles that see limited use, so each corner should be checked for binding and the brake discs inspected for severe pitting or lipping caused by infrequent application. Under-bonnet, verify the condition and age of the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and clutch fluid, all of which degrade on a calendar basis; a comprehensive service history with stamps confirming time-based fluid changes will substantially strengthen buyer confidence in this otherwise well-presented example.