2016 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · EF16 AEU

The 2016 Citroen C4 presents a mechanical profile dominated by recurring tyre-related advisories rather than systemic engine or drivetrain failures. Across five MOT tests spanning from 2019 through early 2026, the same tyre damage warnings have appeared repeatedly—nearside rear and offside rear tyres in 2026 and 2025, followed by nearside front outer and offside front outer tyres in 2024—each flagged as slightly damaged or cracking or perishing under advisory code 5.2.3 (d) (ii). Despite passing each individual test, the persistence of these tyre advisories indicates a pattern where the tyres are not holding up under normal road loads, suggesting either ongoing exposure to rough surfaces, inadequate inflation pressure management, or underlying geometry issues that cause uneven contact patch degradation. The latest test on 2026-01-02 confirmed the issue remained unresolved, meaning the vehicle has accumulated a series of tyre-specific problems over nearly a decade of ownership despite otherwise clean intermediate records. The mileage figure of 33,593 miles for a ten-year-old vehicle represents approximately 3,359 miles per annum, which is considerably below the typical consumption range for a car of this age and body style. This low annualisation rate could reflect infrequent driving, extended periods of storage, or deliberate conservative use, but it also implies that the tyres alone would not account for significant cumulative wear on suspension components, braking systems, or drivetrain parts. The regular spacing of MOT tests—roughly every twelve months from late 2019 through early 2026—shows consistent monitoring but does not compensate for the fact that the tyres themselves remain the primary source of recorded concerns. Without substantial mileage to buffer potential mechanical degradation, the car's structural integrity appears less stressed than one might expect, yet the persistent tyre advisories suggest that even modest driving volumes can generate enough stress to trigger these warnings when specific conditions are met. Given the tyre damage pattern, the buyer should conduct a thorough test drive focusing specifically on the tyres and surrounding suspension areas. Listen for any knocking or thumping sounds over bumps, particularly when traversing potholes or speed bumps, as this can indicate misalignment, worn suspension bushings, or deteriorating wheel bearings that contribute to tyre edge damage. Visually inspect the tyres for new cracks along the sidewall, especially around the bead seats where water intrusion can accelerate damage, and compare tread depth across all four wheels to rule out uneven wear patterns that might point to alignment issues. Additionally, examine the subframe and wheel arches for signs of rust or corrosion that could compromise suspension geometry over time, even though the MOT record does not flag structural problems—the low mileage makes rust less likely but does not eliminate the possibility of hidden metal fatigue in the chassis. If the tyres are indeed suffering from progressive damage, consider whether replacing them earlier than the next scheduled MOT would be prudent, given the current advisory trail shows no resolution despite three consecutive passes.