2014 Citroen DS3 1.6L Diesel · FP14 EYL

The vehicle shows signs of a worsening maintenance trend as it approaches its current mileage. While the 2025-09-06 test resulted in a pass, the inspection followed a failure just five days earlier on 2025-09-01. This recent failure highlighted several immediate mechanical concerns, including a binding nearside rear brake and thin brake pads. Although the front inner brake discs were noted as pitted or scored in the passing test, the recurrence of brake-related advisories suggests a pattern of deferred maintenance regarding the braking system. The mileage accumulation appears consistent with a typical 12-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,285 miles per year. The record shows steady progress from 68,058 miles in February 2022 to 87,424 miles in September 2025. There are no significant gaps in usage, and the vehicle has been tested regularly. However, the jump from 78,020 miles in February 2024 to 87,236 miles in September 2025 indicates a slight increase in annual driving distance compared to previous years. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the steering and braking components. The tester flagged play in the steering rack inner joints during both the September 2025 failure and the subsequent pass, indicating a persistent issue that has not yet been resolved. This mechanical play can affect steering precision and safety. Furthermore, the history of worn, pitted, or scored brake discs across both front and rear axles, combined with the recent binding rear brake, suggests the braking hardware is nearing the end of its service life. The 2024-02-20 test also highlighted that all four tyres were worn close to the legal limit, which, alongside the brake issues, points to a tendency to run consumables toward their absolute limits. Beyond the steering rack and brakes, a physical inspection of the suspension bushes and tyre tread depth is necessary to ensure the vehicle meets current safety standards. The recurring nature of these specific faults implies that while the car is currently roadworthy, it requires focused mechanical attention to prevent further degradation.