2009 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · CV09 LFL

The Citroen C1 currently holds an unroadworthy status following a failed MOT on 5 March 2026 at 167,584 miles. The official record lists no defects for this failure, which contradicts standard DVSA procedure and points to a data recording anomaly rather than a mechanically sound vehicle. The maintenance trend over the past three years reveals a consistent pattern of neglecting basic pre-test preparations. The vehicle failed its initial inspections in both 2024 and 2025 before passing on retest shortly after, indicating a reactive rather than proactive approach to upkeep. This cycle of failing first time and passing on retest suggests an owner who addresses only the immediate failure point rather than maintaining the car continuously. The mileage accumulation aligns closely with typical use for a 17-year-old city car, averaging roughly 9,858 miles annually. Between the March 2025 pass at 155,845 miles and the March 2026 failure at 167,584 miles, the car covered 11,739 miles. This represents a slight uptick in annual usage but remains well within normal parameters. The record shows no significant gaps in testing or unusual mileage discrepancies, suggesting the vehicle has been in consistent, regular service without long periods of inactivity or tampering. Given the ambiguous failure data and the owner's reactive maintenance habits, a prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection. Focus on the structural integrity of the sills and subframes, as corrosion often plagues older C1s left unchecked. Inspect the suspension bushes and coil springs for wear, alongside the brake discs and calipers, which frequently suffer from binding or corrosion on vehicles of this age. The exhaust system and mounting points require close scrutiny for leaks or deterioration. Because the specific defects causing the recent failures remain unrecorded, verifying the current mechanical condition through a pre-purchase inspection is essential before committing to the purchase.