2014 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · CV64 PZX

Two structural advisories recorded at the most recent test on 13 July 2026 shape the mechanical story of this 2014 Citroen C1, interrupting an otherwise unblemished run of passes stretching back to 2020. The front sub-frame was noted as corroded though not seriously weakened, alongside wear in both front anti-roll bar pins or bushes, and these items did not feature in any of the seven prior examinations on file. Earlier results were clean, including straight passes at the 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020 tests, though it should be noted that the 15 July 2025 entry shows both a pass and a fail recorded on the same date, with the failure citing a nearside rear service brake excessively binding, classified as a Major defect. The sudden appearance of corrosion and suspension wear advisories after years of defect-free testing is the defining feature of this record and warrants direct attention from any prospective buyer. Against a twelve-year age, the recorded mileage of 55,280 equates to roughly 4,600 miles per year, which sits at the lower end of typical usage for a vehicle of this type. The MOT history does not show any extended gaps in testing, with annual examinations recorded consistently from 2020 through to 2026, suggesting the car has remained in regular use rather than laid up for long periods. Lower annual mileage of this nature generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components but can also accelerate deterioration of rubber items, brake components due to underuse, and corrosion on unprotected chassis areas through limited but consistent exposure to winter road conditions without the benefit of higher-mileage thermal cycling. The sub-frame corrosion advisory is the most significant item for a buyer to investigate, as the C1 platform is known to be susceptible to front subframe rust progression once initiated, and the examiner's current assessment of not seriously weakened can shift quickly with another winter's exposure. Physically inspect the front subframe mounting points, engine mounting brackets and any visible chassis rails for advanced surface scale, flaking or perforations, paying particular attention to seams and boxed sections where moisture collects. The anti-roll bar bush wear recorded on both sides should be checked by pushing laterally on the body over uneven surfaces or by listening for clonks or rattling from the front end over speed humps and broken tarmac, as worn drop links or bushes on this model commonly produce audible knocks rather than excessive play felt through the steering. The single Major defect recorded for an excessively binding nearside rear service brake is worth verifying has been properly resolved rather than simply cleared on the same day. A binding rear caliper or stuck slider mechanism on the C1 typically manifests as a dragging sensation, reduced fuel economy, uneven brake disc wear with discoloration on the affected side, or a pulling effect under light braking. On a test drive, perform several moderate stops from around 30 mph and feel for any asymmetry, then immediately after parking check both rear wheels for comparable heat radiating from the hubs, as a noticeably warmer wheel on one side would confirm residual binding. Finally, given the recent appearance of chassis and suspension advisories after a long clean run, an inspection on a ramp or over a pit is strongly advisable to assess the rate of corrosion progression and confirm the anti-roll bar components have not deteriorated beyond the advisory threshold since the test was recorded.