2013 Citroen C3 1.6L Diesel · EO13 XBW

A cluster of safety‑critical failures at the latest MOT places this 2013 Citroën C3 in a precarious road‑worthiness position. The test on 24 October 2026 recorded three major defects – off‑side headlamp not operating on dipped beam, off‑side headlamp aim untestable and a near‑side side repeater inoperative – together with a dangerous condition where the off‑side rear tyre shows exposed ply. In addition, the rear‑exhaust mounting bracket was flagged as defective, an advisory that has persisted on the record since mid‑2022, while brake‑disc and pad wear advisories have appeared in the two preceding years. The pattern shows a vehicle that has been passing MOTs but is now confronting multiple critical items that must be rectified before it can be considered legally road‑worthy. At 132 767 mi the car averages just over 10 000 mi per year, a usage rate that sits squarely within normal UK expectations for a thirteen‑year‑old hatchback. The MOT history is uninterrupted, with annual tests from 2020 onward, indicating the vehicle has been regularly inspected. However, the accumulation of mileage means that wear‑items such as brake discs, pads, tyres and suspension components are likely approaching the end of their service lives, and the recent exposure of tyre cords suggests that the tyre replacement cycle may have been delayed. Prospective buyers should verify that the off‑side headlamp assembly is replaced or rewired and that the headlamp aim can be correctly set, and confirm that the near‑side side repeater lamp functions on both dipped and main beams. The exposed rear tyre must be replaced immediately; a visual inspection should also confirm that the tyre sidewalls are free of cracks and that the wheel rim is undamaged. The rear‑exhaust mounting bracket should be inspected for corrosion or cracked welds and fitted with a new bracket if any movement or rattling is felt under acceleration. Brake discs and pads, already noted as pitted, scored and thin, should be measured for thickness; any judder, pulsation or increased pedal travel during a test drive would indicate that replacement is imminent. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection should include a road test listening for unusual noises from the rear‑exhaust area, checking for uneven braking or vibration that could betray warped discs, and feeling for play in the front suspension bushes and rear trailing arms, especially given the vehicle’s mileage. Verify that all lighting functions correctly after repair, and obtain a fresh MOT following remedial work to ensure the car meets the legal safety standards before committing to purchase.