2020 Citroen C5 1.2L Petrol · GU20 HHS

Emerging braking issues define the current mechanical state of this vehicle, moving away from a previously clean record. While it achieved a pass on 28 October 2025, this followed an initial failure for inoperative registration plate lamps and left several advisories regarding the nearside rear braking system. This marks a transition from earlier tests where only tyre wear was noted, indicating that the braking components are now entering a phase of wear or malfunction. An accumulated mileage of 52,345 miles over roughly six years represents a typical annual usage rate of approximately 8,724 miles. This consistent level of use suggests the vehicle has avoided the risks associated with prolonged standing, such as seized components, but it also means that primary wear items are reaching the end of their service life. The recorded history of tyre wear across multiple years aligns with this expected degradation of consumables based on the mileage. Specific focus is required for the nearside rear service brake, which was flagged for binding and thin pads in the latest inspection. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any scraping sounds from the rear and feel for any instability or pulling during braking. A physical inspection of the wheel temperature after a moderate drive is recommended to determine if the brake caliper is sticking, which would cause the nearside rear rim to be noticeably warmer than the offside. The recurring advisories for tyres worn close to the legal limit on the offside front, nearside front, and offside rear between 2023 and 2024 necessitate a close inspection of the current tyre condition. The buyer should check for uneven wear on the inner or outer edges of the tread, which could indicate a need for wheel alignment. Finally, the deterioration of the front registration plate mentioned in the October 2025 test should be verified to ensure it meets legal legibility requirements.