2015 Citroen Nemo 1.2L Diesel · DO65 LBK

A persistent pattern of front coil spring failures and corrosion stands as the dominant mechanical theme across this Nemo's MOT history. The vehicle recorded a Major failure for both nearside and offside front coil springs fractured or broken in November 2024, just twelve months after a similar Major was flagged on the offside front coil spring in October 2021. This recurrence points to a structural weakness in the front suspension rather than an isolated event, particularly given the low annual accumulation. The August 2026 test sequence reinforces this concern: the vehicle initially failed with an offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover defect that no longer prevented dirt ingress, alongside a Dangerous Dangerous advisory for nearside front tyre tread depth below the 1.6mm legal limit. It subsequently passed the following day with only a windscreen damage Minor and a continuing advisory for nearside rear coil spring corrosion. Across the four recorded tests since 2020, the record shows two failures, one pass with no defects, and two passes carrying advisories, leaving the front suspension components as the clearest area of recurring concern. Against an 11-year vehicle age, the recorded mileage of 32,039 miles equates to approximately 2,913 miles per year, which is notably low. Testing gaps are also visible, with roughly two-year intervals between 2020 and 2022, and another two-year gap before the November 2024 entry. This combination of low annual mileage and multi-year standing periods between tests is consistent with a vehicle that has spent considerable time stationary, which itself accelerates corrosion on coil springs, ball joint dust covers, and exposed underbody components. It also reduces wear on brake friction materials and the clutch, meaning these items may appear superficially fresh but could suffer from surface corrosion or seized caliper slide pins if standing has been prolonged in damp conditions. The engine oil leak advisory recorded in 2022, which has not reappeared, is consistent with low-use seals drying out rather than indicating heavy internal engine wear. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a close physical inspection of the front suspension, as the MOT record has flagged ball joint dust cover deterioration, repeated front coil spring fractures, and rear coil spring corrosion within a short window. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over bumps and speed humps, which would indicate worn ball joints or top mounts rather than simply perished bushes. Steering should remain precise without vagueness, looseness, or a clunk when turning from lock to lock. Inspect both sides of the front coil springs visually for paint loss, pitting, or surface rust, and check the nearside rear spring for the corrosion already noted in the 2026 advisory. Brake condition also warrants specific attention given the 2021 advisory for front brake disc wear and the general risk of seized components from low-mileage standing. On the road, the pedal should feel firm with no excessive travel, and there should be no juddering through the steering wheel under heavy braking, which would suggest disc warping. Given the previous Dangerous tyre tread depth failure, measure tread depth with a gauge on all four tyres before purchase, and inspect the sidewalls for cracking or perishing as previously flagged. Finally, ask when the vehicle was last driven regularly and for how long, and inspect the engine oil level and condition, as the 2022 oil leak combined with extended standing periods suggests seals have been drying rather than actively maintained.