2009 Citroen C3 1.6L Diesel · GL09 TWN

The most recent DVSA MOT, carried out on 26 September 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently satisfies the statutory safety and emissions requirements. Over the preceding decade the record shows a mixed picture: a serious failure in October 2022 involving a fractured rear coil spring, a non‑functional nearside headlamp and a split CV boot, followed by a clean pass in 2025 after those items appear to have been remedied. Earlier years display a pattern of minor advisories and recurring wear on anti‑roll bar dust covers and rear wheel corrosion, but the absence of any current failures suggests the maintenance trajectory has improved and the major faults have been addressed. At 66 557 miles the 2009 Citroën C3 averages just under 4 000 miles per year, which is considerably below the typical usage for a vehicle of its age. Such low annual mileage often points to long periods of inactivity or very gentle driving, both of which can accelerate age‑related deterioration of rubber components, seals and battery plates even while the mechanical wear on high‑stress items such as brakes and tyres remains modest. Prospective owners should therefore be alert to the effects of calendar ageing rather than mileage‑driven fatigue. The MOT history highlights several areas that merit close inspection. The anti‑roll bar linkage dust covers have been noted as severely deteriorated on multiple occasions; examine the bushings and dust covers for cracked rubber, rust ingress and any looseness that could produce clunking or handling vagueness, especially when cornering. The rear wheel corrosion advisory and the light oil mist on the nearside rear shock absorber suggest that the rear suspension may be exposed to moisture; check the shock absorber for excessive leakage, loss of damping, and inspect the wheel rim for surface rust that could compromise tyre seating. The split CV boot on the off‑side front drive shaft, recorded as a major defect in 2022, should be verified as fully sealed – look for grease splatter around the joint and listen for whine or vibration under acceleration, which would indicate impending joint failure. Finally, confirm that the headlamp now operates correctly and that the exhaust mounting brackets are secure, as previous failures in these systems can re‑appear if not properly repaired. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, a thorough visual and tactile survey is essential. Examine all tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or age‑related perishing, and verify tread depth is even, as uneven wear could mask suspension issues. Test the 12 V battery’s cranking voltage and check for sulphation, especially if the car has spent long periods stationary. Inspect brake discs for surface corrosion, scoring or uneven wear, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding – a common problem on cars that sit unused. Review the service book for evidence of timed‑belt replacement (typically around 60 000 miles on this model) and confirm that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended intervals, as fluids degrade with time even when mileage is low. A short road‑test should include listening for any abnormal noises from the suspension, steering or drivetrain, feeling for any pull or vibration, and confirming that all lights, indicators and wipers function correctly before committing to purchase.