2011 Citroen DS3 1.6L Diesel · CE61 FVT

The Citroën DS3’s most recent MOT test on 28 January 2026 at 123,613 miles passed without any recorded defects, confirming it remains roadworthy for the time being. However, the preceding history reveals an inconsistent pattern: two consecutive failures in late 2024 and early 2025 at nearly identical mileages (115,280 and 115,401 miles) before passing again in December 2023 and January 2025. This suggests intermittent issues were resolved—likely through repairs or part replacements—but the lack of defects in recent passes does not guarantee future reliability. The most recent test is just six months old, which is within the standard 12-month MOT cycle, but the earlier failures indicate potential recurring problems that may not have been fully addressed. The vehicle’s mileage progression shows a steady accumulation of around 8,200 miles annually, which is typical for a car of this age. There are no significant gaps or abrupt jumps in mileage, though the 2024 failures occurred within just 21 miles of each other, implying the problem persisted despite minor usage. The most notable inconsistency lies in the duplicate January 2025 entry—one pass and one fail at the same mileage—suggesting either an administrative error or a test rerun after a quick fix. This anomaly alone does not indicate neglect, but it warrants scrutiny of what was corrected between tests. Given the history, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system, as the repeated failures likely centred on this area. Binding rear brakes or uneven wear on discs and pads are common issues in this model, particularly after 100,000 miles. The suspension—including coil springs, bushes, and dampers—should also be examined for excessive play or corrosion, as these components degrade predictably with age and mileage. Structural integrity, particularly around wheel arches and sills, should be checked for corrosion, which can compromise safety. Finally, the exhaust system and emissions controls may have been adjusted between tests, so leaks or catalytic converter efficiency should be verified. While the car has passed its last MOT, the earlier failures suggest these areas may require attention.