2012 Citroen C3 1.4L Diesel · EM04 ABY

The most recent MOT test conducted in July 2026 resulted in a pass, though it carried advisories regarding the wear on both front tyres. When evaluating the long-term maintenance trend, the vehicle shows a pattern of recurring advisories, particularly concerning the exhaust system mounting, which has appeared intermittently since 2020. While the vehicle has maintained a consistent pass record, the emergence of steering-related advisories and tyre wear in the most recent inspections suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase where more frequent consumable replacements and minor mechanical adjustments will be necessary to maintain roadworthiness. With 75,548 miles recorded over 14 years, this Citroen C3 has averaged approximately 5,400 miles per year, which is considerably lower than the national average. This low-mileage profile suggests the car has seen light usage, which can be beneficial for the longevity of the engine and gearbox. However, such low annual mileage often implies the vehicle may have spent extended periods stationary. This can lead to specific maintenance concerns such as the degradation of rubber seals, fluid breakdown, and the potential for component seizure, which should be carefully considered during your physical inspection. During your test drive, pay close attention to the steering and exhaust systems. The 2025 advisory regarding play in the nearside front track rod end means you should listen for any clicking or knocking sounds when turning the steering wheel at low speeds and check for any wandering or lack of precision in the steering response. Furthermore, given the repeated advisories regarding defective exhaust mountings, listen for excessive vibration, rattling, or a loud, uneven drone from the underside of the car, which could indicate that the exhaust is not being held securely. The recent advisories on front tyre wear suggest you should inspect the tread depth and check for uneven wear patterns, which may indicate a need for a wheel alignment or tracking adjustment. Because of the low mileage and age, you must conduct a thorough physical inspection of all rubber components. Check the sidewalls of all tyres for signs of perishing or cracking, as seen in previous records, which can occur even if tread depth remains sufficient. Inspect the brake discs for heavy corrosion or pitting, and during the drive, feel for any brake shudder or binding, which can result from calipers sticking due to infrequent use. Finally, verify the service history to ensure that oil and other vital fluids have been changed according to a calendar-based schedule rather than solely on mileage, as time-based degradation is a significant factor for vehicles with this usage profile.