2014 Citroen DS3 1.6L Petrol · FL14 ABL

A pair of MOT defects over the recorded testing window defines the mechanical story of this DS3, with the most recent event on 22 June 2026 seeing a near-side track rod end ball joint flagged for excessive play at the point of test, resulting in a fail that was then immediately followed by a pass on the same date, indicating the component was replaced and the vehicle re-presented. The 2026 advisory absence on the pass certificate, combined with no recorded advisories in the prior two tests at 23 June 2025 and 24 June 2024, suggests the steering and suspension hardware has otherwise remained serviceable throughout the MOT history. The only other recorded item is a 24 June 2024 advisory-style failure relating to an off-side outer drive shaft CV boot that had split and was missing its retaining clip, an item which was clipped back during the same visit before the accompanying pass was issued. Overall the trend is one of isolated, promptly corrected issues rather than a pattern of recurring or worsening defects across the four recorded tests. Mileage stands at 65,242 miles over a twelve year vehicle life, which works out at roughly 5,437 miles per year on average and places this DS3 firmly in low-mileage territory for its age and class. The annual accumulation is modest enough that wear-related degradation on major mechanical assemblies such as the engine, transmission and clutch is likely to be limited, while components that suffer from age-related deterioration rather than mileage alone, including rubber boots, suspension bushes, brake pipes and flexible hoses, remain the more relevant concern here. There are no extended gaps between recorded tests that would point to a prolonged off-road period, and the annual test cadence has been maintained consistently since at least 2024, so the recorded mileage can be treated as a reasonable reflection of usage. For a prospective buyer the steering system should be the priority focus given the near-side track rod end failure, as this joint sits within the front suspension and steering geometry and is load-bearing under braking and cornering. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, particularly when turning at low speed, and feel for any vagueness, free play or knocking through the steering wheel when rocking it left and right with the vehicle stationary and the engine running. Inspect the inner and outer edges of the front tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which is a classic symptom of a worn or incorrectly tightened track rod end, and check that the steering returns cleanly to centre after a corner without binding or sticking. The CV boot on the off-side driveshaft is the other component worth specific attention, even though the clip was refitted at the 2024 test; with low annual mileage, rubber articulation boots are prone to perishing and splitting from age rather than use, so it is worth visually inspecting both inner and outer CV boots for any cracking, grease loss around the rim of the boot, or fresh splits, and listening for any clicking or clicking under load on full lock turns which would indicate a joint that has been compromised by contamination. Beyond these flagged items, a general pre-purchase inspection of the underbody and suspension is advisable on any low-mileage DS3 of this age, with particular focus on the front subframe mounting points, brake pipes and fuel lines for any surface corrosion or rust pitting, and the condition of the front brake discs and pads given that prolonged standing can lead to corrosion of the disc surface even where pad material remains adequate. Verify there are no warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster, particularly for the engine management or ABS systems, and confirm that the cooling fan operates correctly as DS3s of this era have been known to suffer from cooling system thermostat and radiator issues with age. Where possible, confirming that an invoice or receipt exists for the recent track rod end replacement would provide additional assurance that the work was completed professionally and that geometry was checked or reset afterwards.