2005 Citroen C2 1.4L Petrol · FE55 CPX

The most recent MOT, dated 13 January 2022, was passed with a single advisory concerning surface corrosion on the under‑body. Earlier tests show a pattern of failures in 2018 and 2019 centred on structural corrosion, fractured rear coil spring and excessive wear of anti‑roll bar linkages, followed by a series of advisories in 2020 and 2021 relating to suspension mounting corrosion, bush wear and slight wheel‑bearing play. The shift from outright failures to a clean pass, albeit with minor advisories, indicates that the maintenance trajectory has moved from deteriorating to stabilising, though the underlying corrosion and wear issues have not been fully resolved. At 78 061 mi the vehicle averages roughly 3 700 mi per annum over its 21‑year lifespan, which is considerably below the typical usage for a small hatchback. Such low annual mileage often reflects intermittent or predominantly short‑distance use, which can be benign for wear items but may conceal periods of prolonged storage. Extended standing can accelerate under‑body rust, cause tyre sidewall perishing, and promote battery sulphation, while the limited mileage means that consumables such as brake pads, discs and suspension bushes may have survived beyond their intended service lives and could be approaching the end of their functional period. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the nearside front structural area that was previously judged to have reduced rigidity. Inspect the outer sill and adjoining sub‑frame for any flaking, pitting or perforation, and probe the area for flex by applying gentle pressure while the car is on a lift. The anti‑roll bar linkages on both front corners have been flagged for excessive wear; feel for any play in the bar ends and listen for clunking when the steering is turned sharply at low speed. The rear upper spring mounting brackets on both sides show corrosion, and the rear coil springs have a history of fracture, so a visual check for rusted mounting bolts, cracked springs or uneven spring rates is essential. The off‑side rear wheel bearing was noted with slight play and noise; a test drive should include a steady‑speed run in each gear while listening for a faint humming or growl that changes with wheel load, and a hand wheel spin with the car lifted to detect any roughness. Also verify that the track‑rod dust cover on the off‑side front has been replaced, as its deterioration can admit grit that accelerates joint wear. Beyond the specific MOT items, the car’s age warrants a thorough calendar‑based inspection. Examine all tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or tread that is more than six years old regardless of depth, as ageing rubber can fail suddenly. Check the 12 V battery voltage and conduct a load test, since long periods of inactivity often lead to sulphated plates and reduced cranking power. Drain and replace the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid if service stamps are absent, because fluids degrade over time even with low mileage. Finally, assess the condition of the exhaust system for rust perforation, ensure the brake discs are free of severe corrosion or scoring, and confirm that the steering rack and tie‑rod ends operate smoothly without binding, as these components can seize when a vehicle sits idle for extended periods.