2022 Citroen C5 Aircross Shine Phev Auto 1.6L Hybrid electric (clean) · CF71 UCD

The most recent DVSA examination dated 12 January 2026 resulted in a PASS, albeit with an advisory notice concerning the nearside rear tyre being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge. Reviewing the broader test history, the vehicle presented just three days earlier on 9 January 2026 with a Dangerous failure attributed to the offside rear outer brake pad measuring less than 1.5 mm thick, accompanied by advisories for a worn and pitted offside rear brake disc and the same nearside rear tyre condition noted subsequently. This cluster of rear axle braking and tyre issues, concentrated around the same test episode, suggests a pattern of rear wear that warranted attention rather than evidence of widespread deterioration across the vehicle. The earlier test in January 2025 was passed without any recorded defects, indicating that the recent advisories represent emerging wear items rather than a chronic neglect trend. Overall, the maintenance profile can be considered stable but with the rear axle now requiring proactive follow-up. With 66,140 miles recorded on a 2022 vehicle, the annual mileage is approximately 16,535 miles, which is notably high for its age and substantially above the UK average for a passenger car. Such intensive use accelerates wear on consumables and dynamic components, particularly brake friction material, brake discs, tyres, suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain mountings. The high mileage is also significant given the PHEV powertrain, as hybrid systems accumulate wear on the combustion engine components during extended motorway or cross-country running, while the high-voltage battery and electric drive elements are exercised frequently. There are no apparent gaps in the recorded mileage progression, indicating consistent rather than sporadic use, which is generally preferable from a corrosion and standing-start perspective but does mean that routine servicing intervals are more likely to have been fully consumed. Given the recent advisories, a prospective buyer should carry out a focused inspection of the rear axle components. The offside rear brake pad was measured at less than 1.5 mm thick, which is a Dangerous-level condition implying immediate replacement was required; therefore, verify with the vendor that new pads have been fitted and request confirmation that the brake caliper slide pins and guide surfaces were cleaned and lubricated during the replacement, as binding calipers are a common cause of uneven pad wear. The offside rear brake disc was noted as worn, pitted, or scored, and although deemed not seriously weakened at the time, surface corrosion and lipping can develop rapidly; on a test drive, listen for any rotational scoring noise, brake shudder under firm pedal application, or pulling to one side, all of which would indicate the disc now requires machining or replacement. The nearside rear tyre should be inspected for both tread depth across the full width and, crucially, for any inner or outer shoulder wear characteristic of camber misalignment or worn rear suspension bushes, and a four-wheel alignment check would be prudent. Beyond the specific advisories, the high annual mileage and the four-year age warrant a broader mechanical inspection. Examine all four tyres for sidewall perishing and cracking, which can occur on PHEVs due to the additional mass of the battery pack even on relatively young tyres. Check the 12V auxiliary battery condition, as PHEV systems place additional demands on the conventional battery, and verify the high-voltage battery state of health through a diagnostic readout if available. Inspect brake fluid for age-related degradation, as fluid should typically be replaced every two years regardless of mileage, and confirm that the engine coolant and transmission fluid have been serviced in line with manufacturer schedules. Finally, examine the underside and suspension arms for any oil seepage from the rear differential area, check the exhaust system for corrosion around joints and mountings given the mileage, and ensure that all warning lamps including the hybrid system indicators extinguish promptly after ignition to confirm no stored faults in the powertrain control module.