2016 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · CU16 YTC

The 2016 C4 presents a mixed mechanical picture following its most recent MOT pass on November 4, 2025, at 70,316 miles. While the vehicle passed its latest test, the maintenance trend reveals a worsening pattern of suspension wear and chronic offside rear tyre degradation. The October 2025 failure at 70,259 miles flagged a split offside outer CV boot and elevated exhaust emissions, both of which appear to have been addressed prior to the November pass. However, the recurring advisory for a worn offside front suspension arm pin or bush persists, indicating a component that is degrading gradually rather than failing catastrophically. The tester also flagged the offside rear tyre repeatedly for wear close to the legal limit and cracking, suggesting prolonged misalignment or underinflation. Covering roughly 7,032 miles annually, the mileage aligns with light-to-moderate use for a ten-year-old vehicle. The records show steady accumulation, moving from 55,930 miles in February 2023 to 70,316 miles in November 2025, representing approximately 14,386 miles over 33 months. There are no glaring gaps in the MOT history that suggest prolonged periods of inactivity, though the slightly low annual mileage indicates predominantly short-trip or urban driving. This driving style likely contributed to the exhaust emissions failure in October 2025 and the premature wear of the offside rear tyre. A physical inspection must prioritize the offside front suspension and the drivetrain. The persistent advisory regarding the front suspension arm pin or bush requires close scrutiny of the entire assembly, as worn bushes affect steering geometry and accelerate tyre wear. The tester noted offside rear tyre deterioration repeatedly, so a buyer should thoroughly examine the offside rear wheel alignment, suspension bushes, and coil springs for sagging or damage. The previously split CV boot has been rectified, but a mechanic should check the joint itself for play or knocking, as dirt ingress during the split period may have caused latent damage. The exhaust emissions failure from the October 2025 test also warrants attention. A recent pass suggests a catalytic converter clean or replacement, but the underlying cause of the excess emissions—potentially a failing lambda sensor or inefficient combustion—requires diagnostic scanning. Finally, inspect the offside rear brake components. The tester flagged thin rear brake pads in February 2024, and without subsequent advisories, they may now be nearing the end of their service life, demanding immediate measurement of pad thickness and disc condition.