2014 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · DX64 XES

With no advisories or failures recorded across three annual DVSA tests spanning 2023 to 2025, this C3 presents a clean mechanical roadworthiness profile for a prospective buyer. The 2025-08-22 entry shows a fail and a pass on the same date, which is consistent with a straightforward presentation issue (such as a faulty bulb or an emissions readjustment) being rectified in the same session, rather than any underlying structural or mechanical deficiency. The fact that the 2024-08-29 record follows the identical pattern of a same-day fail and pass reinforces that interpretation. Across all three test cycles, the vehicle has not been flagged for corrosion, suspension wear, brake condition, or exhaust integrity, indicating that the fundamental safety-critical systems remain in sound condition at this stage of its life. At 26,227 miles on a 2014 vehicle, this C3 has covered only around 2,186 miles per year on average, which is unusually low and consistent with either a second car used primarily for short journeys or a vehicle that has spent extended periods off the road. Such low annual accumulation typically results in lighter wear on the clutch, gearbox internals, and engine bearings, but it does mean the engine and drivetrain may have experienced prolonged standing periods between uses, which can encourage moisture accumulation in the oil, surface corrosion on brake discs, and premature ageing of rubber components. On this car specifically, the MOT record shows continuous annual testing from 2023 onwards, suggesting the vehicle has been kept in active use at least in recent years rather than being laid up for any significant stretch. For a buyer evaluating this C3 in person, the absence of recorded advisories means there are no specific flagged components to interrogate, but the low-mileage usage pattern does warrant attention to items that degrade with age rather than mileage. Brake discs and pads should be inspected for surface corrosion and any lipping on the disc edge, particularly given the likelihood of short urban journeys and infrequent sustained braking. The condition of the tyres should be checked for perishing or sidewall cracking, as rubber deteriorates through age independent of tread depth, and any DOT date codes visible on the sidewalls should be confirmed as within a reasonable service life. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links or top mounts not yet severe enough to have triggered an advisory. The 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol and HDi diesel variants commonly fitted to the C3 of this era are known for occasional timing belt tensioner noise on higher-mileage examples, though at this odometer reading that is unlikely to be an immediate concern. Check for any signs of oil seepage around the cam cover gasket and the sump plug area, as these engines can mist oil onto the exhaust manifold with age. The Power Steering system on these models occasionally develops a groan on full lock at low speed, which is worth replicating during a test drive. Steering should feel precise without excessive play at the front wheels, and the clutch should engage smoothly without slip or judder. Given the clean MOT history and modest mileage, this C3 represents a low-risk purchase provided a physical inspection confirms that age, rather than wear, has not caused deterioration in the items listed above.