2016 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · GF66 VOV

The most recent MOT, carried out on 10 January 2026, was passed but returned a series of advisories covering sub‑frame corrosion, front tyre tread approaching the legal limit, general body corrosion and greased brake pipe fittings. Over the past six years the vehicle has moved from a clean test in February 2024 to a pattern of recurring corrosion warnings and tyre wear alerts, with a single dangerous failure in December 2021 when two tyres fell below the 1.6 mm minimum. The trend is therefore mixed: the MOT results are still passing, yet the frequency of corrosion and tyre‑related advisories indicates a gradual deterioration rather than an improving maintenance record. With 79,911 mi recorded on a 2016 model the average annual mileage is just under 8,000 mi, which sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope for a ten‑year‑old small car. There are no obvious large mileage spikes that would suggest heavy‑duty use, but the relatively low annual figure also hints at periods of limited running or prolonged storage. Such standing can accelerate rust formation on the sub‑frame and body panels, and can allow tyre sidewalls to perish even if tread depth appears acceptable. A prospective buyer should give the tyres a thorough visual and tactile inspection. All four should be measured for tread depth, looking for any reading below 1.6 mm, and the sidewalls examined for cracking, dry rot or bulges that often develop on vehicles that sit for long periods. Uneven wear patterns may point to mis‑aligned suspension or worn steering components; a test‑drive should be undertaken listening for clunks when passing bumps, checking for any pull to one side, and feeling for vibration that could indicate a tyre or wheel bearing issue. The front brake discs, noted as pitted but not yet structurally compromised, should be examined for scoring deeper than 1 mm; if excessive, resurfacing or replacement will be required, and the brake fluid should be flushed given the history of corroded and greased brake pipe fittings, which also merit a visual check for rust, leaks or stiff pipe sections. Corrosion advisories on the sub‑frame, integral body structure and brake pipe fittings demand a careful under‑carriage inspection. Look for flaking rust around the suspension mounting points, rear sub‑frame rails and wheel arches; any looseness or play when the wheels are rocked by hand could indicate weakening joints. Verify that the greased brake pipe coating has been cleaned and that the pipe is free of active corrosion, as lingering rust can eventually lead to leaks under pressure. The vehicle’s 12 V battery, now a decade old, should be tested for cranking amps and checked for electrolyte level if it is a conventional lead‑acid type. Finally, confirm that routine time‑based services have been observed – fresh engine oil, coolant, power‑steering fluid and a functional windscreen washer system – and that the central stop lamp and TPMS are operational, as these were previously noted as faulty. Addressing these items before purchase will greatly improve the car’s reliability and safety envelope.