2014 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · FP64 BWH

The most recent MOT test on the 2014 Citroën C4 occurred on 2025-11-04, where it passed with several advisories but no failures. However, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring issues rather than a clear improvement or stability in maintenance. The 2024-10-25 failure highlighted a critical front coil spring failure, which is a severe structural component failure that can lead to compromised ride quality, excessive wear on suspension and tyres, and potential alignment issues. The subsequent 2025 tests show persistent tyre wear close to legal limits and minor headlamp alignment concerns, suggesting ongoing wear and tear that may not have been fully addressed. While the vehicle has passed recent tests, the presence of advisories—particularly those related to tyre condition and suspension wear—indicates that the owner should prioritise addressing these to prevent further deterioration or safety risks. The recorded mileage of 74,734 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 12 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 6,228 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a car of this age and class. Such mileage does not necessarily indicate excessive wear if the vehicle has been maintained reasonably, but it does mean that consumables like tyres, brake pads, and suspension components have accumulated significant usage. The gaps between MOT tests—particularly the 2021-2022 period—suggest periods of inactivity, which can exacerbate issues such as standing corrosion on brake discs, caliper binding, or fluid degradation in hydraulic systems. If the vehicle has been driven regularly, the suspension and drivetrain components will have experienced higher stress, while tyres and brakes will show more pronounced wear patterns. For the prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect are the front suspension and tyres, as these have been flagged repeatedly. The fractured front coil spring from 2024-10-25 is a major concern; visually inspect the front suspension for signs of further damage, such as bent or broken control arms, and listen for abnormal clunking or rattling when driving over bumps, which may indicate loose or worn suspension bushes. The tyre advisories—particularly the nearside rear tyre cracking and front tyres worn close to legal limits—demand immediate attention. Check tyre tread depth and sidewall condition for cracks or perishing, which can compromise safety, especially in wet conditions. On a test drive, monitor for uneven tyre wear, which may indicate alignment or suspension misalignment issues. Additionally, inspect the front headlamps for proper alignment and functionality, as the 2025 failure highlighted beam projection problems, which can impair visibility and pose a risk on the road. Beyond the immediate concerns, the buyer should also assess the vehicle’s overall mechanical condition for signs of standing corrosion, particularly on the brake system, exhaust components, and undercarriage. Given the vehicle’s age and the potential for prolonged periods of inactivity, check for corrosion on brake discs and calipers, which can lead to binding or reduced braking efficiency. Inspect the battery and electrical systems, as older vehicles can suffer from degraded starter motors, alternator issues, or a failing 12V battery, which may not be apparent during a test drive but can cause reliability problems. Fluid levels and condition should be verified, with particular attention to brake fluid, coolant, and differential/transmission fluid, as these degrade over time even without significant mileage. Finally, review any service records to confirm that scheduled maintenance—such as oil changes, timing belt replacement (if applicable), and suspension servicing—has been conducted, as a clean MOT record does not guarantee past maintenance history.