2015 Citroen C3 1.6L Diesel · EX65 KBF

A pattern of brake and tyre wear has dominated this Citroën C3's MOT record across recent years, with a notable dangerous failure on both front tyres in October 2021 where ply or cords were exposed. Since that test the vehicle has passed four consecutive examinations, though the most recent pass on 20 March 2026 was not without comment, carrying advisories for front brake discs worn, pitted or scored on both sides and a nearside front inner tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge. Earlier advisories in 2020 flagged that the front braking system was only just meeting the minimum performance requirement and required adjustment or repair due to wear, while the 2022 test recorded a similar advisory for a front inner tyre approaching the legal limit. The recurring nature of brake and tyre advisories across multiple tests suggests these consumable items require regular attention on this particular vehicle, and a prospective buyer should treat both as priority inspection areas rather than minor follow-ups. With 99,432 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, this C3 has covered around 9,039 miles annually, which is broadly consistent with average UK usage for a car of this age. There are no significant gaps in the testing record that would suggest extended periods off the road, with tests recorded regularly from 2020 onwards at intervals of roughly twelve to eighteen months, consistent with normal owner engagement and annual MOT compliance. The mileage progression between tests appears steady and proportionate to the gaps in time, indicating continuous use rather than any unusual accumulation. Mechanically, this level of mileage places the engine, clutch, transmission, and turbo components (if fitted) into a wear band where age-related deterioration of rubber and plastic items becomes more likely, even though the MOT history itself only flags externally visible items. Given the repeated advisories on the front brake discs and tyres, a close inspection of the braking system is essential before purchase. Both front discs should be measured for remaining thickness, and the calipers checked for free sliding movement, as binding calipers are a common cause of uneven disc wear on C3s of this generation. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding from the front wheels under light braking, and feel for pedal pulsation or judder which would confirm disc run-out beyond service limits. The tyres themselves should be examined for uneven shoulder wear, particularly inner-edge wear which the advisories suggest has been an ongoing issue, and this pattern can often point to worn front suspension components rather than simple tyre ageing. Specific items to check include the condition of the front suspension bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and bottom ball joints, all of which are known wear items on the C3 platform at this mileage and can produce clonking noises over speed humps or uneven road surfaces. The dangerous tyre failure recorded in 2021, where both front tyres had exposed cords, serves as a reminder that the previous tyres were allowed to deteriorate beyond safe limits, so any replacement rubber fitted since then should be checked for correct size, speed rating, and overall quality. The broken exhaust bracket noted at the same 2021 test is a minor item but worth confirming has been properly repaired, as a loose exhaust can transmit vibration and noise into the cabin. Beyond the flagged items, a buyer should also inspect the rear tyres for the cracking and perishing previously recorded, examine the underbody and subframe mounting points for any corrosion that could become an MOT failure in future tests, and verify that the front braking system now feels firm and responsive rather than merely meeting the minimum legal threshold as it did in 2020. A thorough road test on varied surfaces, paying particular attention to steering precision, braking consistency, and any warning lights on the dashboard, will help confirm whether the underlying mechanical condition matches the recent advisory pattern.