2016 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · FX66 NBM

The 2016 Citroen C1 presents a mixed roadworthiness profile characterised by generally clean records punctuated by a significant failure and several recurrent minor issues. The most telling element is the 2022-10-25 failed MOT which carried multiple advisories including deteriorating front and rear registration plates, a defective front windshield wiper blade, and damaged or cracking offside rear tyres, followed by a subsequent pass on 2023-10-26 with only minor advisory items. Despite this single serious failure occurring during a period when earlier tests were clean, the vehicle otherwise maintains a solid underlying health record with three additional passes spanning 2020 to 2021. The current status indicates the car remains roadworthy but requires attention to the specific systems highlighted in the 2022 failure. At 52,439 miles on a ten-year-old chassis, the vehicle accumulates approximately 5,244 miles annually—a rate substantially below the typical consumption seen on comparable models. This unusually low mileage suggests either infrequent driving, extended periods of storage, or deliberate underuse rather than normal wear patterns. The gap between the 2022-10-25 failed test and the 2023-10-26 successful test spans roughly thirteen months, which aligns with the interval needed to address critical issues such as tyre damage and windshield washer deficiencies. While low mileage may delay visible wear on suspension bushings and brakes, the presence of previously reported tyre damage on both offside rear positions and the persistent registration plate deterioration indicate that age-related degradation is still manifesting regardless of the reduced odometer reading. The front registration plates require particular scrutiny as they have shown deterioration and cracking across two separate test entries, suggesting potential subframe attachment issues or material fatigue that could compromise readability and potentially allow environmental ingress. During a test drive, listen for any abnormal sounds when traversing uneven surfaces, particularly noting whether the front lights and mirrors remain clearly visible despite the plate condition. The front windshield wiper blade is flagged as defective, which will likely produce streaking or incomplete wiping of the window; verify that the blade moves freely and covers the entire glass area during operation. Additionally, inspect the rear offside tyres for signs of cracking, peeling tread edges, or structural damage indicated by the previous failure notation, as these may develop further given the low-mileage environment where impact loads are minimal. The rear tyres showing damage or perishing characteristics on the 2022 failure indicate that even moderate driving cycles can cause premature wear on certain positions, so a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the tyre sidewalls and contact patches is essential before committing to purchase. Given the registration plate deterioration affecting both front and rear units, consider whether the vehicle has been stored in damp conditions which could accelerate corrosion of adjacent bodywork and electrical connectors. Finally, while the current MOT result is positive, the combination of the 2022 failure and the continued presence of minor advisories warrants a practical test drive focusing on handling stability, braking consistency, and any unusual noises emerging from the suspension or undercarriage that might not have been apparent during the brief diagnostic checks.