2015 Citroen C4 1.2L Petrol · GD15 ESF

The defining mechanical theme in this C4's MOT record is a recurring pattern of exhaust and underbody concerns, capped by a 2026 failure involving an exhaust blow, a split CV boot, and a broken exhaust flexy bracket. While the most recent test on 2026-01-20 returned a pass with no defects, this followed just five days after the failed re-test, meaning the rectification work was minimal and recent, and the underlying components are still relatively fresh fixes rather than long-resolved issues. Looking across the seven tests on file, exhaust system integrity has been flagged three times: a minor front exhaust gas leak and defective mounting in 2020, and then the major back box blow plus broken front flexy pipe brackets in early 2026. Combined with the offside rear service brake binding advisory of 2023 and pitted front brake discs noted at the same test, the brake and exhaust assemblies appear to be the areas where wear is being concentrated on this particular chassis. Against an age of roughly eleven years, the recorded 75,026 miles equates to an average of around 6,800 miles per year, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this vintage. The test history shows no significant gaps in annual MOT compliance from 2020 onwards, with the car tested every year without any extended period off the road, which means mileage accumulation has been steady rather than front- or rear-loaded. The combination of moderate mileage and consistent use suggests wear should be progressing at a normal pace, with the components showing age-related deterioration rather than the accelerated wear typically associated with high-mileage workhorses. The 2023 advisories for inner edge tyre wear are worth noting in this context, as edge wear on a lower-mileage car can indicate alignment geometry that has drifted, often from worn suspension components rather than simply tyre ageing. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be the exhaust system as a whole. Listen for any ticking, hissing, or rattling from beneath the car on start-up and at idle, particularly from the rear silencer area and around the front downpipe and flexi section where the bracket was recently reported broken. Check that the exhaust hangs correctly and does not droop or catch on undulations, as a recently replaced component can still indicate that the mounting points on the body or subframe are corroded. On the test drive, turn the steering lock to lock at low speed and listen for any clicking or graunching from the front wheels, which would suggest the nearside CV boot replacement was incomplete or the joint has already suffered contamination since the repair. For the braking system, pay close attention to whether the car pulls to one side under firm braking and listen for any scraping or grinding from the front wheels, as the 2023 advisories for pitted discs and a binding rear caliper indicate the brake assemblies were showing wear before the most recent test. Finally, check the front tyres carefully for uneven inner-edge wear compared to the centre and outer tread, as the nearside front inner edge wear noted in 2023 can recur if suspension bushes or wishbone components have continued to deteriorate. Inspect the underside visually for any signs of oil misting around the engine and gearbox seams, and for any surface corrosion on suspension arms, as UK climate exposure over eleven years typically promotes surface oxidation even on otherwise sound cars. Confirm that the tyre pressure monitoring system warning light is no longer illuminated on the dashboard, as the 2025 advisory for the TPMS light being on could simply reflect a sensor battery depletion or a recent wheel change that has not been recalibrated. A thorough road test on varied surfaces, including some moderate speed bumps and a stretch of uneven tarmac, will help reveal any knocks or clonks from the front suspension that would warrant closer inspection of the components not directly flagged but consistent with the wear pattern shown in the MOT record.