2012 Citroen DS3 1.6L Petrol · DS03 RRO

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of deferred attention regarding wear components. While it passed its most recent test in October 2025 at 57,304 miles, it had failed just one week prior at 57,295 miles. This failure identified significant wear on the offside front suspension arm ball joint and rear bush, which were evidently addressed. The persistent presence of an oil leak across the last four years of testing suggests a reactive maintenance approach rather than a proactive preventative strategy. The mileage profile is notably low for a 14-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,100 miles per year. Data shows consistent but infrequent usage, moving from 49,595 miles in October 2022 to 57,304 miles by October 2025. However, low mileage often correlates with age-related material degradation rather than mechanical wear. The record confirms this, as rubber components such as the tyres and CV boots are suffering from perishing and deterioration due to time in situ despite having sufficient tread depth. A buyer must scrutinize the rear axle for corrosion, as this was flagged in both the October 2025 failure and the subsequent pass. While the tester did not issue a structural failure, surface corrosion on these models is a known concern that worsens over time. The recurring reports of pitted and scored brake discs across all four corners indicate the vehicle has likely sat for long periods or been driven sparingly, leading to oxidation of the metal surfaces. Physical inspection of the front suspension bushings is also required to ensure the repairs made following the 2025 failure were thorough and have not begun to degrade again.