2019 Citroen C4 1.5L Diesel · DP68 LSN

The most recent DVSA examination on 9 December 2025 resulted in a Pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is the strongest possible indicator of current roadworthiness. However, the broader pattern across the recorded MOT history is mixed rather than consistently improving. The vehicle failed on 8 December 2025 with a Dangerous defect for rear brake pad thickness falling below 1.5 mm, having previously carried an advisory in January 2025 for the same rear brake pads wearing thin. This indicates the wear was flagged a year in advance and progressed to a dangerous condition by the time of the next test, suggesting either deferred maintenance or unusually accelerated pad wear. Earlier in 2023 there was a minor failure for insufficient washer fluid, and across 2022 and 2023 there were multiple advisories relating to tyres and interior obstructions, painting a picture of a vehicle that has been broadly maintained but with some recurring neglect of wear items, particularly consumable braking components. With seven years in service and 50,803 miles on the odometer, the recorded annual mileage of roughly 7,258 miles is moderate and broadly typical for a car of this age. There is no evidence in the MOT history of any significant mileage gap, and the progression between tests suggests consistent if modest use. From a mechanical perspective, this is a relatively healthy usage profile, meaning major drivetrain components such as the engine, transmission, clutch (assuming manual) and turbocharger (if fitted) should not yet be approaching typical high-wear thresholds. That said, moderate mileage spread over seven calendar years implies the vehicle has experienced periods of standing or short journeys, which can accelerate degradation of certain items such as brake discs through surface corrosion, the 12V battery through incomplete charge cycles, and exhaust components through condensation accumulation. The brake system warrants the most immediate attention from a prospective buyer. The rear pads were at or below the legal minimum as of December 2025, so a thorough physical inspection must confirm whether they have since been renewed along with the discs, as worn pads will typically have left scoring or lipping on the disc surface if not replaced together. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsation through the brake pedal, and verify that the handbrake feels firm and holds the vehicle on an incline without excessive travel. The 2022 advisories on nearside rear tyre cracking and perishing, plus front wheel distortion and edge tyre wear, are now four years old and should be considered historical rather than current; however, this pattern hints at potential suspension or geometry issues, so any uneven or rapid inner-edge tyre wear on the current set should prompt inspection of the front suspension bushes, wishbones, drop links, and tracking. On the test drive, listen for clonks or knocks over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes or top mounts. Beyond the recorded items, several age-related checks are essential. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for perishing and cracking regardless of tread depth, as rubber degrades with age independently of mileage, and the production date code should be within a sensible timeframe for a 2019 vehicle. Given the moderate mileage, verify that the brake caliper guide pins and rear caliper handbrake mechanisms are not seized, a common issue on cars that see infrequent use, which can be checked by ensuring all discs rotate freely by hand when the wheel is removed. The 12V battery should be load-tested as standing periods and short trips shorten its life considerably, and the service book should confirm that brake fluid, coolant, and (if applicable) timing belt or chain intervals have been observed on a calendar basis. Finally, request evidence of the rear brake work carried out post-failure in December 2025, as this confirms that the dangerous defect has been properly rectified rather than temporarily passed.