2010 Citroen DS3 1.6L Petrol · EY10 AEK

The Citroën DS3’s MOT history presents a striking anomaly: two consecutive passes and fails in March 2022 and March 2023, both with no defects recorded, suggesting administrative errors rather than mechanical issues. The most recent test in March 2023 at 116,341 miles passed without any advisories or failures, indicating the vehicle met all DVSA roadworthiness criteria at that point. However, the repeated failures—despite no technical faults being logged—raise questions about the accuracy of the testing process. There is no evidence of recurring mechanical trends, structural degradation, or component wear in the official records, which is unusual for a vehicle of this age and mileage. The lack of advisories or defects in the last two tests implies either meticulous maintenance or a vehicle that has avoided significant wear, though the administrative inconsistencies demand further scrutiny. The mileage accumulation of 7,271 miles per year aligns closely with the average for a 16-year-old vehicle, suggesting consistent but not excessive use. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests covers roughly 24,500 miles in a year, which is typical for a car in regular service. Notably, the mileage between the two sets of consecutive fails (2022 and 2023) remained almost static—just 3 miles apart in each instance—indicating the vehicle did not move between tests, reinforcing the likelihood of procedural rather than mechanical issues. The absence of mileage spikes or prolonged inactivity further supports the idea that the car has been maintained in a stable, if not particularly demanding, environment. Without additional service records, it’s impossible to confirm whether routine maintenance was upheld, but the MOT history alone does not suggest neglect or aggressive driving. Given the clean MOT outcomes in the most recent tests, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of components that typically wear over time but were not assessed in the DVSA tests. The suspension—particularly the bushings, coil springs, and ball joints—should be checked for degradation, as these are not always scrutinised in MOTs but can compromise handling and safety. Braking performance must be verified, including the condition of brake discs, pads, and calipers, as binding or uneven wear can develop without being flagged in a pass. Structural integrity, especially around wheel arches, sills, and suspension mounts, should be examined for corrosion or fatigue, given the vehicle’s age. While the MOT history offers no red flags, the administrative irregularities warrant a closer look at service records to ensure no underlying issues have been overlooked.