2010 Citroen DS3 1.6L Petrol · CP60 CVR

The Citroën DS3 presents a stable roadworthiness profile in its most recent MOT history, with the October 2025 test at 108,881 miles showing no defects—a clean pass following two consecutive failures in November 2024 and 2023, both at identical mileages (105,050 and 101,139 respectively). The absence of defects in the latest test suggests that any underlying issues prompting the earlier failures have either been rectified or are not currently affecting the vehicle’s compliance. However, the repeated failures on the same test date each year—without recorded defects—raises an immediate red flag. This pattern implies either a systemic oversight in the testing process or, more likely, that the vehicle was presented in a condition just below the threshold for a pass, possibly due to minor but unresolved wear items. The fact that the November 2024 and 2023 tests were back-to-back on the same day suggests the car may have been driven directly from one test to another, a tactic sometimes used to exploit MOT testing loopholes. For a buyer, this inconsistency demands further scrutiny beyond the official record. The mileage accumulation of 6,805 miles per year over 16 years aligns with typical usage for this age group, though the clustering of tests around November hints at strategic scheduling rather than genuine maintenance intervals. The rapid 3,911-mile jump between the November 2023 failure and the November 2024 failure—both at almost identical mileages—is highly unusual and suggests the vehicle may have been driven minimally between tests, possibly to avoid accumulating further wear. The most recent 3,821-mile increase from November 2024 to October 2025 is more plausible, but the lack of intermediate MOTs leaves a gap where critical wear—such as brake linings, suspension bushes, or tyre tread—could have developed unchecked. Without additional service records, it’s impossible to verify whether routine maintenance has been neglected, but the test history alone does not support a claim of meticulous upkeep. Given the absence of recorded defects, the buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of consumable and high-wear components that might not have triggered MOT advisories but could now be at risk. Focus on the brake system, including pad thickness, disc condition, and caliper operation, as binding brakes were a plausible cause for the unexplained failures. Check suspension components—particularly the front coil springs, anti-roll bars, and rubber bushes—for signs of fatigue or corrosion, as these often degrade gradually and may not always be caught in a cursory MOT. Exhaust emissions components, such as the catalytic converter or DPF (if fitted), should also be assessed for efficiency, especially if the vehicle has been driven minimally between tests, as this can lead to carbon buildup. Structural integrity is less of a concern given the DS3’s relatively rust-resistant bodywork, but inspect the sills, wheel arches, and underbody for hidden corrosion, particularly if the car has been garaged in damp conditions. Tyre condition and tread depth warrant immediate attention, as the MOT record provides no insight into their current state.