2018 Citroen C4 1.2L Petrol · FJ18 KXU

Covering roughly twelve and three quarter thousand miles each year, this 2018 Citroën C4 presents an unusual mechanical story: a completely unbroken chain of MOT passes alongside a notably high annual mileage that places sustained demand on its consumables and chassis components. The most recent test on 15 August 2025 was recorded twice on the same day, once as a fail and once as a pass, which typically indicates a minor rectification was carried out immediately after the initial refusal, though no specific defects were logged against either entry. Every preceding annual test from 2022 through 2024 returned a clean pass with no advisories or failures recorded, demonstrating a stable and reassuring roadworthiness trend over the four documented examinations. The absence of any recorded advisories across this period means there is no documented evidence of developing corrosion, worn suspension components, or degrading brake material within the official test record. With 101,806 miles accumulated over eight years, this vehicle has been worked considerably harder than the average UK car of its age, which typically covers between six and eight thousand miles annually. This sustained usage pattern will accelerate wear on items not captured within the MOT inspection regime, including the timing chain or belt, clutch friction material, dual mass flywheel if fitted, engine mounts, and the air conditioning compressor. The consistent year-on-year testing with no gaps in the record confirms the car has been in regular operation rather than laid up, which is mechanically favourable for components like the 12V battery, brake caliper slide pins, and transmission seals that suffer during prolonged stationary periods. However, the higher mileage dictates that the major service items should be scrutinised closely, particularly evidence of cambelt or timing chain replacement intervals having been observed in line with manufacturer schedules. From a suspension and steering perspective, the C4 uses a front MacPherson strut arrangement with lower wishbones and rear trailing arms, components that endure significant stress at this mileage accumulation. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed humps or uneven road surfaces, as worn lower wishbone bushes or top mount bearings are common on high-mileage examples of this era. Pay particular attention to any vagueness in the steering around the straight-ahead position, which can indicate worn drop links or inner tie rod wear. Through tighter corners, feel for any knocking transmitted through the steering column that might point to worn intermediate steering shaft joints. Given the annual mileage, expect some wear in the rear axle bushings; a test drive over undulating roads should be carried out to detect any rear-end instability or tramlining that could suggest compliance issues. For the braking system, although no specific defects have been recorded, the sustained high usage means pad and disc wear will be significant. Carry out a series of firm brake stops from around forty miles per hour to check for any judder through the pedal, which would indicate disc runout or hot spots requiring replacement. Listen for any scraping noises that could suggest pads worn to backing plate level, and feel for any pulling to one side under heavy braking that might point to a binding caliper or a seized slider pin. The handbrake operation should be checked on an incline to confirm adequate holding force, as rear caliper actuators and cable mechanisms can fatigue on higher-use vehicles. Finally, inspect the underside thoroughly for any signs of fluid weeping from the power steering rack, as rack failures and oil leaks from the engine sump are common wear items on a C4 that has covered this level of distance, and request documented evidence that the timing chain or belt, along with the dual mass flywheel if applicable, has been serviced within the manufacturer specified intervals.