2008 Citroen C3 1.4L Diesel · FG08 TZE

This Citroën C3 has demonstrated a concerning inconsistency in its MOT history, with two failures in the past three years despite otherwise clean records. The most recent test on 2024-02-19 passed without defects, but the pattern of failures—occurring on 2022-02-14 and 2023-02-16—suggests either intermittent issues or a lack of pre-test servicing. The absence of specific fault codes in the failed tests complicates diagnosis, but the repeated need for retesting implies a recurring problem that was likely addressed between failures rather than resolved permanently. The recorded mileage of 11,673 miles over 18 years—approximately 648 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting prolonged periods of inactivity. This could mitigate some wear on high-mileage components like suspension bushes or brake pads, but it also raises questions about storage conditions, which may have contributed to corrosion or deterioration in less visible areas. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 failures (just three days apart) is particularly notable, as it implies either a rushed retest or a failure that was quickly rectified but not fully addressed. Given the lack of specific fault details, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of suspension components—particularly rear suspension bushes and coil springs—given their tendency to degrade over time even with low mileage. The repeated MOT failures suggest potential issues with brake binding, worn brake discs, or suspension geometry, so caliper function and disc thickness should be checked. Structural integrity, especially around wheel arches and sills, warrants scrutiny, as prolonged inactivity can accelerate corrosion. Finally, the exhaust system and emissions should be examined, as these are common failure points in older vehicles, even with minimal use.