2017 Citroen C3 Picasso 1.2L Petrol · DG17 AAX

The most recent MOT, dated 31 March 2026, resulted in a failure, with dangerous defects recorded on both the off‑side front and near‑side rear tyres – each showing a structural tear or separation, one even pierced by a nail. Advisory notes also highlighted a minor oil leak and a small side‑wall cut on the non‑spare front tyre, together with a non‑functioning near‑side registration‑plate lamp. Compared with the 2025 and 2024 results, the trend is clearly deteriorating; tyre condition has moved from advisory‑level damage to dangerous failures within a year, indicating that wear or ageing of the rubber has accelerated rather than being addressed. At 41,776 mi for a 2017 model the vehicle averages roughly 4,600 mi per annum, well below the typical 10‑12 000 mi expected for a car of this age. Such low utilisation often points to periods of prolonged storage or very light use, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because rubber compounds and seals age irrespective of distance. The combination of low mileage and advanced calendar age explains the tyre perishing and side‑wall cracking, while also raising the likelihood of dried‑out seals, corrosion on suspension joints and potential battery sulphation from infrequent charging cycles. A prospective buyer should give the tyre set the highest priority. Inspect all four tyres for any signs of cracking, bulging, tread separation or embedded foreign objects; measure tread depth and check for uniform wear patterns that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension components. During a test drive listen for thumping or vibration that may emanate from a compromised sidewall, and feel for any pull or wander that could be caused by uneven tyre stiffness. The oil leak, although classed as non‑excessive, should be traced to its source – a valve‑cover gasket, oil filter housing or oil cooler – and the seal inspected for deterioration, as even a modest leak can lead to low oil levels and engine wear if left unchecked. All external lighting – the near‑side registration‑plate lamp, front headlamp on dipped beam and off‑side rear stop lamp – must be verified as operational, as their failure contributed to the MOT failure. Beyond the tyres and oil, the buyer should examine the condition of the suspension bushings, ball joints and coil springs for any signs of corrosion, cracking or excessive play, especially given the vehicle’s likely periods of standing. Brake discs should be checked for surface rust, scoring or uneven thickness, and the calipers inspected for sticking pistons that can arise from infrequent use. Verify the health of the 12 V battery with a load test, as long idle periods can cause sulphation and reduced cranking power. Finally, request a full service history to confirm that time‑based fluid changes – coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil – have been performed according to the manufacturer’s schedule, as these fluids degrade with age even when the car is not driven heavily.