2009 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · FD09 FAA

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 2 July 2026, resulted in a pass, with a single advisory issued for front brake pads wearing thin. Looking at the broader MOT history over the past five cycles, the vehicle has consistently passed without any outright failures, which is a positive indicator of its fundamental roadworthiness. However, the advisories recorded in 2023, 2025, and 2026 do suggest a pattern of minor brake-related wear issues that a buyer should monitor. The advisory progression from a worn front brake disc in 2023, to a binding offside rear service brake in 2025, and thinning front brake pads in 2026 indicates that brake components are slowly accumulating wear and may require attention in the near future. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable rather than worsening, but the braking system is clearly showing its age. With a recorded mileage of 48,444 miles over approximately 17 years, this Citroen C1 has averaged around 2,850 miles per year, which is notably low. Such low annual mileage typically implies either light usage or extended periods where the vehicle has been stood idle, both of which carry their own mechanical implications. Standing periods can lead to moisture accumulation in the engine oil, brake disc corrosion, and degradation of rubber components and fluids through calendar age rather than mechanical wear. Equally, light usage does not exempt the car from age-related deterioration of timing belts, coolant, brake fluid, and tyres, all of which degrade with time regardless of mileage accumulation. Given the recurring brake-related advisories, a prospective buyer should conduct a careful physical inspection of the braking system. The front brake pads flagged as wearing thin will likely need replacement soon, and during a test drive, listen for any metallic squealing or grinding noises from the front wheels under light braking. The 2025 advisory regarding the offside rear service brake binding suggests a sticking caliper or seized slider mechanism; on the road, this may present as uneven braking, pulling to one side, or a brake that feels reluctant to release, potentially causing the wheel to run hotter than its counterpart. The pitted or scored front brake disc noted in 2023 may have been rectified, but it is worth checking for brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel during heavier stops, and visually inspecting both front discs for lipping or excessive wear around the outer edge. Beyond the braking system, the low-mileage profile demands attention to age-related degradation. Tyre sidewalls should be closely inspected for perishing or cracking, as rubber deteriorates through UV exposure and time even when tread depth remains adequate; check for the DOT date code to confirm tyres are not excessively old. The 12V battery is a known failure point on low-use vehicles and should be load-tested, as a battery that has sat discharged can suffer internal damage. Given the vehicle's age, verify when the brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil were last changed, as these fluids degrade on a calendar basis and may require refreshing regardless of recorded mileage. A service book stamp history should be requested to confirm periodic maintenance, and on the test drive, listen for any suspension clonks or knocking over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn bushes or dampers from age rather than mileage.