2010 Citroen DS3 1.6L Diesel · FH10 NRO

The 2010 Citroen DS3 presents a stable maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass at its most recent MOT on 5 August 2025 at 129,400 miles with zero defects recorded. Despite failing the test on two prior occasions—5 January 2023 at 114,765 miles and 3 January 2024 at 126,927 miles—the vehicle passed retests on the same dates, and no defects were logged against these failures. This pattern suggests the previous owner addressed immediate compliance issues promptly, though the lack of recorded defects for the failures themselves points toward administrative oversights or minor rectifications not captured in the digital record. The current roadworthiness status is sound, with no active advisories or failures to indicate ongoing mechanical distress. The mileage accumulation aligns closely with typical usage for a sixteen-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 8,088 miles annually. A closer look at the chronology reveals a notable shift in usage patterns. Between January 2023 and January 2024, the car covered 11,965 miles, indicating regular, active use. However, the mileage increased by only 2,473 miles over the subsequent nineteen months leading to the August 2025 test. This sharp drop in accumulation suggests the vehicle has spent recent months standing or covering significantly fewer miles, which can introduce its own maintenance concerns such as perished rubber components or brake seizure from standing. Given the recent low mileage and the historical test anomalies, a physical inspection must focus on components affected by prolonged standing and the typical wear points of the DS3. Examine the tyres thoroughly for sidewall cracking and flat spots, as low recent mileage often means the rubber has aged rather than worn out. Check the brake discs for surface corrosion and ensure the calipers are not binding, a common issue when vehicles sit stationary. Inspect the suspension bushes and exhaust system for deterioration, as the 2010 model year is now susceptible to corrosion. While the MOT record shows no structural or mechanical red flags, verifying the structural integrity of the underbody and the condition of the consumables will confirm whether the recent low mileage reflects careful local use or neglect through inactivity.