2017 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · CY17 BXF

The 2017 Citroen C3 presents a largely stable maintenance record, though the most recent MOT on 19 May 2026 at 50,310 miles introduces a notable defect that breaks an otherwise clean five-year streak. The tester flagged the Nearside Front Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot as severely deteriorated under section 6.1.7 (g) (i). This is a critical protective component. A split or degraded CV boot allows grease to escape and road debris to enter, rapidly accelerating joint wear and leading to clicking on lock or eventual joint failure. While the vehicle still passed, this advisory signals an active deterioration that demands immediate attention. Ignoring it will result in a failed MOT at the next test and a significant repair bill, as a replacement driveshaft assembly is far costlier than a simple boot kit. The mileage pattern tells a story of genuinely light use. Between the 2022 test at 32,239 miles and the 2026 test at 50,310 miles, the car covered just 18,071 miles over four years, averaging around 4,500 miles annually. This is exceptionally low for a nine-year-old vehicle. The record shows no rapid accumulation gaps or suspicious jumps. The annual tests are consistently spaced each May, indicating a predictable, well-documented ownership cycle. Such low mileage typically preserves mechanical components, but it can mask issues related to long periods of inactivity, such as perished rubber hoses, deteriorated brake discs from surface corrosion, or suspension bushes that have dried out rather than worn from friction. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the drivetrain and underbody condition. The degraded Nearside Front CV boot is the primary concern; check for any play in the joint and listen for clicking during a slow, full-lock turn. Low-mileage cars often suffer from brake discs corroded beyond minimum thickness due to standing, so inspect the disc faces for deep pitting and lipping. Examine all rubber suspension bushes, track rod ends, and anti-roll bar links for perishing rather than splitting, as age degrades rubber independently of mileage. The exhaust system and catalytic converter should be checked for corrosion from short trips that prevent moisture evaporation. Finally, inspect the tyre date codes carefully. Even with ample tread, tyres over six years old pose a serious safety risk due to internal degradation.