2009 Citroen C3 1.6L Petrol · FD09 XYB

This C3 presents a reassuringly clean MOT record, with the latest test on 4 December 2025 resulting in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded whatsoever. Across the five most recent examinations there is not a single advisory item on file, which is unusual for a 17-year-old supermini and suggests the structural and mechanical fundamentals have held up well. The only blemishes are two failed results, one on 4 December 2024 and one on 21 December 2023, but in each case the vehicle was re-presented and passed either the same day or within a week, again with no defects recorded. This pattern typically indicates minor, quickly rectified issues such as a blown bulb, a worn wiper blade, or a registration plate problem rather than any substantive mechanical failure, since anything structural or safety-critical would normally appear in the record and take longer to resolve. The recorded mileage of 106,507 miles over roughly 17 years equates to around 6,265 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the normal range for a car of this age and type. The annual test rhythm is consistent, with examinations falling in late November or December each year and no gaps in the testing history, so there is no evidence of the car having been laid up off the road for extended periods. This steady, moderate use is mechanically favourable: components such as the suspension, brakes, and drivetrain have been exercised regularly rather than left to deteriorate through standing, yet the overall accumulation is low enough that major wear items should not be at the end of their service life purely on mileage grounds. Because the MOT record flags no specific defects, buyer checks should focus on the age-related items that a clean test history does not fully illuminate. On a test drive, listen for knocks or clonks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, as the C3's front suspension bushes and drop links are common wear points on higher-mileage examples even when they pass an MOT. Check that the gearchange is smooth and that the clutch bites cleanly without slip, and confirm the engine pulls evenly without hesitation or excessive smoke, particularly given the age of the vehicle. It is also worth asking the seller what caused the two failed tests in December 2023 and December 2024, since the record shows failures without listed defects; a straightforward explanation supported by invoices would be reassuring. Beyond that, inspect the underside and sills for corrosion, verify that all electrics including the air conditioning and central locking function correctly, and review the service history for evidence of regular oil changes and timing belt replacement, as the 1.4 and 1.6 engines fitted to this generation of C3 require periodic belt renewal that an MOT will never check.