2020 Citroen C3 Flair + Puretech S/S Auto 1.2L Petrol · FP20 BTY

The vehicle passed its most recent DVSA MOT test on 25 July 2025 with no failures, dangerous defects, or major items recorded against it. The advisory notes issued at that test should not be overlooked, however, as they point towards wear-related deterioration on key consumable items. Both front tyres were flagged for slight damage, cracking or perishing, and both front brake discs were noted as worn, pitted or scored, although not seriously weakened. The earlier 2024 test also recorded a rusty nearside rear outer disc face, which suggests a pattern of disc surface corrosion consistent with the vehicle's relatively low annual mileage. The 2023 test was entirely clean, so the trajectory is one of gradually accumulating age- and use-related advisories rather than any sudden deterioration or mechanical concern. This is a normal pattern for a six-year-old vehicle, but it does indicate that several maintenance items are likely approaching the point at which replacement will be required. The recorded mileage of 31,996 miles over six years equates to an annual average of approximately 5,333 miles, which is well below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age. This lower-than-average usage carries both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, the engine, clutch, gearbox, drivetrain components, and exhaust system will have experienced proportionally less mechanical wear, which is favourable for long-term reliability of the PureTech petrol engine and its associated timing chain, which is a known area of attention on this family of engines. On the negative side, low annual mileage often indicates periods of standing or infrequent use, which can accelerate calendar-based degradation of items such as the 12V battery, brake discs and calipers, tyres, rubber seals, and fluid condition, irrespective of the odometer reading. Given the advisory notes recorded at the 2025 test, the front tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing, cracking between the tread blocks, and any bulges or uneven wear patterns, as the cracking noted may have progressed further in the intervening period. Check the date codes on all four tyres to confirm they are within safe age limits, typically regarded as no more than six years old, and budget for a replacement set if cracking has advanced. The front brake discs should be examined for lipping, visible scoring, and any tendency for the pads to bind in the calipers following periods of inactivity. During a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, and check for any pulling to one side which might indicate a seized caliper. The rear discs, which showed surface rust last year, should also be inspected for pitting corrosion, as standing moisture can cause aggressive surface degradation on lightly used vehicles. Beyond the advisories, a prospective buyer should carry out several additional checks appropriate to a low-mileage, six-year-old vehicle. Verify that the service book contains stamps at the correct intervals, ideally every 12 months or 20,000 miles, and confirm that the timing chain, oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid have been changed in line with manufacturer schedules rather than purely mileage-based intervals, as these fluids are subject to time-based degradation. Inspect the 12V battery for holding charge under load, as batteries on lightly used cars frequently suffer from sulphation and may be close to failure even if the vehicle starts readily. Examine all rubber components including suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and engine covers for perishing, and check under the bonnet for any signs of oil weepage from the PureTech engine, particularly around the timing chain cover and turbocharger oil feed. Confirm that the exhaust system is free from corrosion and that all emissions-related components are functioning correctly, and finally ensure that any warning lights on the dashboard illuminate and extinguish as expected during ignition.