2021 Citroen C3 Shine Puretech S/S 1.2L Petrol · FE71 GUX

A pattern of tyre condition issues dominates the recorded MOT history of this 2021 Citroen C3, with three tests on file since 2024 and a clear theme emerging around the nearside and offside front and rear rubber. The most recent test on 2026-02-03 recorded a pass, but it was accompanied by five advisories, four of which related to tyres: a nail in the nearside front, a cut on the offside front not deep enough to reach the ply or cords, and both front tyres noted as worn close to the legal limit and on edge. A more serious tyre defect was flagged at the 2025-02-05 attempt, which resulted in a fail for a nearside rear tyre cut in excess of the requirements and deep enough to reach the ply or cords, alongside an advisory noting that a phone holder had been removed from the driver's view prior to test. The 2024-02-15 pass was clean with no advisories, so the recent trend points towards accelerating or unmonitored tyre wear and damage rather than a stable or improving roadworthiness profile. The single brake-related advisory on the 2026 test noted front brake discs worn but not excessively, suggesting the discs are within service life but should be monitored as mileage accrues. With approximately 24,729 miles recorded over five years, annual mileage works out at around 4,946 miles per year, which is below average for a car of this age and indicates either predominantly short urban journeys, periods of limited use, or a combination of both. Lower accumulation of miles generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components but places greater demand on items that degrade through age rather than use, such as brake fluid, coolant, drive belts, interior trim, and certain rubber components including tyres, which can suffer sidewall flex cracking and uneven pressure loss when left standing for prolonged periods. The advisories recorded on this vehicle, particularly the multiple instances of tyre damage and edge wear, are consistent with a car that has seen relatively little sustained motorway use and a higher proportion of short trips, kerbside parking, or stationary periods. The absence of any mileage gap in the MOT records is also worth noting, as the vehicle has been presented for test annually without interruption, indicating continuous road use rather than a significant SORN period. For a prospective buyer, the priorities on any inspection should centre on the components already flagged in the MOT history. All four tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, bulges, and uneven shoulder wear, as the advisories suggest edge wear on the front pair and that pattern can indicate incorrect camber, worn suspension bushes, or simply chronic under-inflation. A test drive should include firm braking from around 40 mph to check for pedal judder, pulling to either side, or any grinding sensation that would suggest the front brake discs have worn beyond the advisory threshold since the last test. With the nearside rear tyre having previously failed for a deep cut, the spare wheel well, and any repair history for that corner, should be checked, along with the condition of the offside rear to ensure no matching damage exists. Beyond the recorded items, the test drive should focus on symptoms common to the PureTech 1.2 petrol engine fitted to this model, particularly any rough idle, hesitation under throttle, or signs of coolant loss, as these engines have been known to suffer from timing belt stretch and coolant consumption issues as mileage accumulates. Listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, paying particular attention to the anti-roll bar linkages and lower wishbone bushes, as edge wear on the front tyres may point towards worn suspension geometry. Steering should be checked for any vagueness off-centre or clonking on full lock, and the underside of the vehicle should be inspected for any signs of oil leakage from the sump, cam cover, or turbocharger pipework. Finally, verify the service book history to confirm that oil and filter changes have been performed at the correct intervals, particularly given the low annual mileage which can otherwise lead to fuel dilution of the engine oil and accelerated component wear.