2002 Citroen Xsara 2.0L Diesel · FJ52 WKD

The December 2025 test resulted in a pass after an initial same-day failure, but the record reveals a worsening structural trend rather than a resolved one. The offside front sill failed in November 2024 for excessive corrosion significantly reducing structural strength, a dangerous classification that mandates immediate repair. While the subsequent pass shows the tester accepted the repair, the 2025 advisories confirm corrosion remains active across both inner sills, the nearside outer sill, and the nearside front integral structure, which is holed outside the prescribed area. Brake pipes front to rear are coated in grease or corrosion, and a nearside front anti-roll bar link is excessively worn. This is a vehicle where structural integrity is being managed rather than restored. Mileage accumulation has slowed markedly in recent years. The odometer read 119,450 miles in December 2017, climbing to 153,792 miles by November 2024, averaging roughly 5,000 miles annually until 2021 before dropping to under 2,000 miles per year thereafter. The 2025 test records no mileage, but the low recent usage suggests the corrosion spread is age-driven rather than mileage-accelerated. A two-year gap between the 2018 and 2020 tests aligns with the first lockdown period, but the history is otherwise consecutive and complete. A buyer must inspect the sill repairs on the offside front and nearside outer areas rigorously; probe the inner sill boxes and chassis legs for hidden rot behind the grease-covered brake pipes. The seat belt anchorage points on both front sills have previously failed for corrosion reducing strength, a repeat failure in 2024 on the nearside rear, so verify the mounting structure is solid. Check the front suspension top mounts and lower ball joints for the play noted since 2017, and confirm the anti-roll bar link has been replaced. Tyres have been flagged worn on edges at almost every test since 2017, indicating persistent alignment or suspension geometry issues that fresh rubber will not cure. The supplementary restraint warning lamp illuminated in 2024 and the rear lamp wiring fault causing cross-circuit illumination in 2025 point to aging loom degradation. Combined with the exhaust leak and the historic excessive smoke failure in 2017, the powertrain and electrics show typical high-mileage PSA wear. At 24 years old, this Xsara presents as a marginal purchase; the structural advisories will likely escalate to failures within one or two test cycles, demanding significant welding expenditure to keep it legal.