2021 Citroen C3 Shine Puretech S/S Auto 1.2L Petrol · CE21 SGU

The vehicle has a solid roadworthiness profile, but the maintenance history presents a clear pattern of increasing wear rather than stability. The tester flagged binding rear brakes on the 2024-04-03 test at 42,664 miles, indicating that the braking system is no longer in optimal condition and that the issue has not yet resolved. This failure occurred after two consecutive MOTs, suggesting that the problem is likely a consumable wear that is slowly accumulating and potentially worsening over time. The first MOT in 2025-04-17 at 51,253 miles was passed, while the second MOT in 2024-05-17 at 42,947 miles was also passed, creating a significant gap between the most recent and the second-to-last test. This gap indicates that the car has been driven less frequently since the 2025-04-17 test, which may have allowed the brakes to reach their wear limit during the absence of regular servicing. The mileage data supports a trend of rapid accumulation, as the vehicle has reached 51,253 miles with only two MOTs recorded. This level of mileage aligns with a typical age of five years for a 2021 model, yet the data shows that the car has not been maintained at a consistent interval. The gap between the most recent test (2025-04-17) and the second MOT (2024-05-17) is notable because the car has been idle for roughly two months between these events. Such a period of inactivity can accelerate the wear of brake components, particularly the pads and calipers, as the car is not subjected to the thermal and dynamic stresses typically associated with regular driving. The lack of any recorded defects in the 2025-04-17 MOT further suggests that the vehicle is currently operating within its mechanical limits, even though the brakes are known to be failing. A buyer should inspect the vehicle in person to confirm the presence of binding rear brakes and to assess the condition of the brake fluid and calipers. The tester flagged these components on the 2024-04-03 test, which is the most recent failure recorded, and the fact that the brakes have not been replaced since the 2025-04-17 test indicates that the wear is progressing. The buyer must verify that the brake pads are within their service life and that the brake fluid levels are adequate, as the failure in 2024-04-03 at 42,664 miles suggests the system is approaching its limit. Additionally, the lack of any recorded defects in the 2025-04-17 MOT means that the vehicle is currently clean of mechanical issues, but the underlying wear on the brakes is a significant concern that requires immediate attention.