2012 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · FD12 AFX

The defining mechanical thread running through this 2012 Citroen C4 is a chronic, progressive deterioration of its front and rear suspension bushes, now compounded by a drivetrain failure on the offside front drive shaft. The most recent test on 3 October 2025 resulted in both a pass and a fail recorded on the same day, with the pass subject to advisories on front and rear suspension arm pin or bush wear, and the fail attributed to a split or insecure constant velocity boot on the offside front outer drive shaft joint allowing ingress of dirt. This represents a worsening trend; the front bush wear was initially noted as a nearside concern in 2022, became a bilateral front issue in 2023, expanded to include both front and rear bushes in 2024, and persisted as a system-wide concern in 2025. The drive shaft failure is a new and significant entry, suggesting the rubber CV gaiter has perished and will require immediate replacement to prevent joint contamination and potential failure. The combination of deteriorating suspension articulation points alongside a compromised drivetrain gaiter paints a picture of a high-mileage vehicle whose consumable and chassis components are reaching the end of their functional lifespan. With 156,845 miles recorded against fourteen years of age, this C4 averages around 11,200 miles annually, a figure that sits squarely within the typical band for a vehicle of its vintage and segment. The annual MOT cadence has been consistent from 2022 through 2025, with no extended gaps in testing or sudden jumps in recorded mileage that would suggest long periods off the road or an inaccurate odometer. This steady accumulation confirms regular, sustained use, which in turn accelerates wear on components that deteriorate simply with road exposure rather than time, namely rubber boots, bushes, and brake friction materials. The mileage corroborates the MOT findings, providing mechanical justification for the wear patterns observed and indicating the vehicle has done sufficient work to genuinely stress its suspension and drivetrain components. Prospective buyers should approach this C4 anticipating imminent suspension and brake refurbishment. The recurring advisories on suspension arm pins and bushes at both the front and the rear beam suggest that worn lower control arm bushings or anti-roll bar linkages are likely to be nearing a state where they would be flagged as a major failure at the next test. On a road test, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and feel for imprecise steering with excessive play or vagueness through the steering wheel when changing direction. The 2024 advisory noting the offside rear service brake binding, though deemed not excessive at the time, warrants a focused check for a seized rear caliper slider or piston, which would manifest as a dragging sensation, uneven brake disc wear with a lipped edge, or pulling to one side under heavy braking. Inspect the rear brake discs visually for heat scorching or rust pitting concentrated on one side, and confirm the handbrake holds the vehicle on an incline without creep. The split CV boot on the offside front drive shaft is an immediate rectification item and should be negotiated into the purchase price, as a contaminated joint will rapidly destroy the internals and lead to a much more expensive driveshaft replacement. On the test drive, listen for a rhythmic clicking or knocking from the front when turning at full lock, particularly when manoeuvring in a car park, as this confirms grease loss and joint damage. Check the underside of the front offside wheel arch for fresh grease deposits or black CV boot rubber hanging loose around the joint. Additionally, the advisories on perished and edge-worn tyres in 2024 suggest attention to wheel alignment geometry, likely the front tracking given the suspension wear pattern, so verify the vehicle travels in a straight line without steering pull and that the steering wheel sits centralised. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, it is prudent to budget for a full suspension bush kit, replacement front tyres, and a brake system refresh including discs and pads to bring the car up to a reliable roadworthy standard.