2015 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · FH65 XLS

The defining mechanical thread running through this Citroën C4's MOT history is front-end steering and suspension wear, with a notable step-change in 2025 that warrants close attention. Between 2022 and 2024 the vehicle recorded three consecutive passes with no advisories whatsoever, suggesting a stable period of roadworthiness. However, on 28 April 2025 the vehicle failed on an offside front track rod end ball joint with excessive play, classified as a major defect, accompanied by an advisory for play in the nearside front steering rack inner joint and an offside rear service brake binding issue. The follow-up pass dated the same day confirms the track rod end was replaced, but the steering rack inner joint advisory and the rear brake binding advisory remained outstanding. The 2026 test returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, which is a positive end point, yet the cluster of front-axle advisories within the last eighteen months indicates that the steering and suspension assemblies are entering a wear phase rather than remaining trouble-free. Recorded mileage of 80,972 over eleven years equates to roughly 7,361 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and not suggestive of either excessive motorway use or extended periods of standing. The annual progression visible across the MOT records is consistent and there are no gaps indicating long-term off-road status that might provoke corrosion, dried seals, or brake seizure from inactivity. From a mechanical standpoint, this is a working mileage profile: enough use to keep seals lubricated and the drivetrain hot, but not so high that bulk wear items such as clutches or major engine components would be expected to be approaching the end of their service life. The mileage context therefore does not raise any particular red flags beyond what the component-specific advisories already disclose. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas on inspection are the front axle steering and suspension components flagged in 2023 and 2025, together with the rear brake. On test drive, listen and feel for any knocking or clonking from the front wheels over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or when turning the steering from lock to lock at low speed, as the 2023 anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover failure and the 2025 track rod end play both point to wear in this area. Any clonking that intensifies during direction changes or over bumps would warrant further investigation of the anti-roll bar linkages, drop links, track rod ends, and steering rack inner joints. Check the offside rear brake for symptoms of binding, which would manifest as the car pulling slightly to one side under gentle braking, a rear wheel running hotter than the others after a drive, or a dragging sensation when the handbrake is released; the 2025 advisory for offside rear brake binding suggests the caliper or handbrake mechanism may be sticking and should be inspected for free movement and slider pin lubrication. Visually, examine the nearside and offside front tyres closely for uneven inner-edge wear, as the 2023 advisory recorded exactly this pattern on the offside front, and inner-edge wear typically points to misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or worn ball joints rather than simple age. Lift the bonnet and check for any oil misting around the front strut tops, and inspect the condition of the steering rack gaiters and anti-roll bar linkage boots, as perished or split boots will lead to accelerated joint wear. Finally, confirm that the offside rear brake has been properly attended to since the 2025 advisory; a binding brake on a road test can feel subtle, so listen for any faint scraping or smell for any hot brake odour after driving.