2002 Citroen Xsara 2.0L Diesel · FP52 AWW

The Citroën Xsara presents a stable roadworthiness record over the past three annual MOT tests, with the most recent assessment on 7 March 2025 at 167,244 miles showing no defects—a consistent pattern mirrored in the 2024 and 2023 passes (164,789 and 161,648 miles respectively). The sole anomaly is the failed test on 7 March 2023 , yet the absence of recorded defects suggests this may have been an administrative error or a minor oversight not captured in the official report. No advisories or recurring issues appear in the DVSA history, indicating that major mechanical or structural components—such as suspension bushes, brake calipers, or exhaust emissions—have not been flagged as deteriorating. That said, the lack of advisories could also imply that previous owners addressed minor concerns privately, or that the vehicle has been well-maintained in ways not documented by the tester. The mileage accumulation aligns closely with the vehicle’s age, averaging 6,968 miles per year over its 24-year lifespan—a figure typical for a lightly used or occasionally driven car. The gaps between tests are standard, with no rapid mileage spikes or prolonged inactivity that might suggest neglect or infrequent use. For instance, the 2,455-mile increase between March 2023 and March 2024 (161,648 to 164,789) and the 2,455-mile jump again to 167,244 in 2025 reflect steady, moderate usage without abrupt changes. The absence of mileage outliers reduces concerns about sudden wear, though this does not preclude the need for a pre-purchase inspection of high-stress components. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough examination of suspension integrity , particularly the coil springs and anti-roll bars , as these are common wear points on this model and may not always trigger advisories until advanced deterioration occurs. The rear brake system —including calipers, discs, and parking brake cables—should be checked for binding or uneven wear, as the 2023 failed test (without defects listed) could hint at past brake-related issues resolved privately. Corrosion is another critical area; the Xsara’s underbody and wheel arches are prone to rust, and while no MOT mentions it, hidden structural weakening could compromise safety. Finally, verify the exhaust system’s condition , as leaks or catalytic converter efficiency might not always be caught in routine tests. The vehicle’s age and mileage suggest consumables like tyres, wiper blades, and brake fluid will need near-term replacement, but no red flags emerge from the official records.