2016 DS DS3 1.2L Petrol · DF16 GHA

This DS3's MOT profile is dominated by its most recent outcome on 10 August 2026, where it failed on three major exhaust and tyre items rather than passing cleanly, breaking a run of four consecutive passes stretching back to 2022. The exhaust failures, specifically a Lambda probe reading outside limits (8.2.1.2 (c)) and carbon monoxide exceeding default thresholds after the second fast idle (8.2.1.2 (b)), point to problems within the catalyst, oxygen sensor, or Lambda control circuit rather than a simple service item. The two rear tyre defects recorded on the same visit, a deep nearside cut exposing ply or cords and an offside nail, suggest the tyres may have been at the end of their usable life, and any prospective buyer should treat both rear tyres as an immediate replacement cost regardless of whether the cut can be repaired. Prior to this, the only failure on file was on 28 August 2025 for a nearside rear service brake binding, which is a typical caliper or slider mechanism fault on a high-mileage car and often returns if the underlying cause was not properly rectified. With 114,637 miles accumulated over roughly ten years, this DS3 is running at an annual rate of about 11,464 miles, which sits in the normal bracket for its age and rules out both long periods of standing and exceptionally heavy commercial use. There are no gaps in the annual testing pattern since 2020, which means the mileage accumulation has been continuous and any wear-related deterioration should be progressive rather than the result of a lay-up. That said, at this mileage the clutch, dual-mass flywheel if fitted, turbocharger if applicable, suspension bushes and engine oil consumption are all components that commonly enter their wear phase, and there is no MOT evidence either way about their condition because they are not inspected under the test. Given the binding rear brake failure of August 2025, the rear brake system is the priority area on any inspection. With the engine running and the car jacked, listen for a constant humming or dragging from the rear wheels and check for a hot wheel centre after even a short drive, both classic signs of a seized caliper piston or corroded slider pins. On the road, expect the car to pull to one side under braking and watch for any judder through the pedal, which on a 114,000-mile DS3 with a recent binding issue would suggest warped rear discs or pads that have been unevenly worn against a sticking caliper. The 2025 failure should also prompt a careful check of the handbrake mechanism, as binding calipers frequently overload the cable and adjuster. The 2020 advisories on scored front discs and thinning front pads were recorded six years and roughly 69,000 miles ago, so those components will have been replaced or worn further since, but the exhaust system flagged in the 2026 failure deserves equal attention. Listen at idle for a rough or uneven engine note and watch the revs for hunting, as a failing Lambda sensor typically produces both, alongside a lit engine management warning light. On the test drive, check for any hesitation or surge under light throttle, which often accompanies catalyst deterioration at this mileage, and inspect the underside exhaust joints and cat heat shield for corrosion rattles. Finally, given the front tyre edge wear advisory from 2021, confirm there is no uneven shoulder wear on the current front tyres, as this typically indicates worn suspension bushes or top mounts rather than a tracking issue, both of which are common concerns on a DS3 approaching the middle of its second decade.