2015 DS DS3 1.2L Petrol · DC65 TYT

The most recent MOT, carried out on 6 January 2026, was passed but recorded a minor fault – a nearside rear registration‑plate lamp inoperative – and an advisory noting a temporary repair to the nearside front bumper. Apart from a single failure in December 2023, when a fractured nearside rear coil spring and a non‑functioning nearside front position lamp were flagged as major defects, the vehicle has enjoyed a clean record from 2019 through to 2022 and again in late‑2024. The progression from a major failure to a subsequent clean pass, with only a minor lighting fault now, indicates that the owner has addressed the serious issues and that the maintenance trend is currently improving. With 81 614 miles recorded on a 2015 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 7 400 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope for a vehicle of this age. There are no evident periods of unusually high mileage accumulation that would suggest aggressive short‑trip abuse or prolonged high‑speed touring, nor are there large gaps that might hint at long periods of storage. Consequently, wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and clutch components is likely to be in line with what would be expected for a car of eleven years and this mileage. When inspecting the vehicle, give particular attention to the rear suspension on the nearside. The fractured coil spring recorded in 2023 should have been replaced; verify that a new spring is fitted, that the mounting points and bushings are free of corrosion, and listen for any clunk or knock when compressing the rear suspension during a test drive. Confirm that the front position lamp now operates correctly and that the wiring harness shows no signs of fatigue, as lighting faults can re‑appear if the underlying connector is not secure. The advisory about the off‑side rear exhaust heat‑shield being loose should be checked for proper fastening, as a loose shield can cause rattles at higher engine speeds and may permit excessive heat exposure to nearby components. Given the vehicle’s age, independent of the recorded defects, a thorough age‑related inspection is advisable. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment or suspension degradation; tyres older than six years should be considered for replacement regardless of tread depth. Test the 12‑volt battery voltage and assess its ability to hold charge, especially if the car has spent periods standing idle. Inspect brake discs for surface corrosion or scoring and ensure calipers move freely without binding, as calendar‑based corrosion can develop on discs that have not been used regularly. Finally, verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been refreshed in accordance with the manufacturer’s time‑based service intervals, as fluids degrade over time even when mileage is modest.