2012 Citroen C3 1.6L Petrol · CP62 VFB

This 2012 Citroen C3 presents a stable, if slightly concerning, maintenance trend. The most recent test on 17 October 2025 at 32,541 miles passed, but the tester flagged a slightly corroded rear beam. Combined with the recurring advisories from previous years, this points to a vehicle that has been kept on the road without a proactive approach to underbody preservation. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging just 2,324 miles per year. The record shows a consistent annual accumulation of roughly 700 to 800 miles between the October 2021 and October 2025 tests. This pattern suggests the car has been used for short, infrequent journeys, which is a known risk factor for moisture-related corrosion and brake surface pitting due to lack of sustained heat cycling. The recurring advisory for the offside rear brake disc, noted as worn, pitted, or scored in the October 2022, 2023, and 2024 tests, is a clear indicator of a binding caliper or a disc that is not being fully swept by the pad. A buyer must physically inspect this wheel for excessive heat after a short drive and check for uneven pad wear. The front brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in October 2021, which is a consumable item, but the persistent rear disc issue suggests a mechanical fault rather than simple wear. The structural advisories demand a close visual inspection underneath. The October 2023 test flagged corrosion on both the front and rear sub-frames, while the October 2025 test noted corrosion on the rear beam. While none were deemed seriously weakened at the time of testing, the progression from sub-frame to rear beam corrosion over two years indicates an active rust environment. A buyer should check the sub-frame mounting points and the rear beam bushings for excessive play or flaking metal, particularly if the vehicle has been standing for long periods between these low-mileage journeys.