2022 Citroen C3 Saint James Puretech S/S A 1.2L Petrol · FE22 AGV

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 27 February 2026 with a single advisory recorded against both front tyres for slight damage, cracking, or perishing under section 5.2.3 (d) (ii), following a completely clean pass on 4 February 2025. This pattern indicates a broadly stable and well-maintained vehicle, with no major component failures, recurring defects, or progressive deterioration evident across the recorded tests. The advisory itself is minor and reflects age-related tyre degradation rather than any underlying mechanical concern, and it suggests that the previous owner was attentive to annual testing without neglecting obvious wear items. Overall, the MOT trajectory is consistent with a car that has been cared for conscientiously, and there are no warning signs of neglect or escalating repair demands. With a recorded mileage of 15,399 miles across approximately four years, this C3 has averaged around 3,850 miles annually, which is notably low for its age and indicates either primarily light urban use or extended periods of standing between journeys. Low annual mileage such as this can be beneficial for major drivetrain components and clutch life, but it does introduce specific age-related risks that are less dependent on miles covered. Brake discs and callipers can suffer from surface corrosion and binding when a vehicle is used infrequently, leading to uneven braking, hot spots on the discs, or juddering under light pedal pressure. Coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil all degrade over time regardless of mileage, and the vehicle should be approached with the assumption that calendar-based servicing, rather than purely distance-based servicing, is the more relevant consideration. From a practical inspection standpoint, a prospective buyer should begin with a thorough visual and tactile examination of the tyres. The advisory relating to perishing on both front tyres indicates the rubber compound is ageing, and any replacement set should ideally be of recent manufacture date, confirmed via the DOT stamp on the sidewall. Look closely for sidewall cracking, flat spotting from standing, and uneven shoulder wear which could point to misalignment or worn suspension components. Lift and inspect each front wheel to check for disc rust ridge at the outer edge; a pronounced lip suggests the brakes have been idle for prolonged periods, while any blueing or pitting of the disc surface indicates overheating episodes. Rotate each wheel by hand with the vehicle jacked to confirm the callipers are releasing freely without sticking, as seized slider pins are a common consequence of infrequent use on vehicles of this age. Beyond the braking and tyre checks, the underbonnet and ancillaries warrant close attention. A 2022 vehicle with low mileage may still be running its original 12-volt battery, which typically has a service life of four to five years regardless of use; the battery should be load tested, and any signs of slow cranking or voltage drop under load noted, particularly in colder conditions. Inspect all visible coolant and brake fluid for correct level and colour, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and should have been replaced at least once during this vehicle's life given its age. On the test drive, listen for any suspension clonks or knocks over uneven road surfaces, which may indicate perished bushes or top mounts rather than wear from high mileage, and pay attention to steering precision, as low usage can occasionally lead to seizing in the column or rack linkages. Finally, verify that the service history corroborates time-based replacement of the cambelt or timing chain inspection interval applicable to the PureTech engine, as neglect of this critical component can lead to catastrophic failure irrespective of how few miles the vehicle has covered.