2018 Citroen C4 Cactus 1.2L Petrol · GV18 GOU

The most recent DVSA examination on 4 August 2025 resulted in a Pass, although a handful of advisories and one minor defect were noted at the same time. Looking back through the recorded history, the vehicle has generally maintained a clean pass rate since 2022, with the only failure occurring in July 2024 on items that are relatively trivial in nature: a wiper blade not clearing the screen effectively on the front and an inoperative nearside side repeater. The fact that the car subsequently passed in 2024 and again in 2025, with a different set of advisories relating to suspension, braking, and tyres, suggests that ongoing maintenance is being carried out but that some component wear is beginning to accumulate. Overall, the trend is broadly stable rather than deteriorating sharply, but the appearance of structural and wear-related advisories in the most recent test indicates that the vehicle is now entering a phase where closer inspection of consumable and chassis components is warranted. With a recorded mileage of 62,398 miles over approximately eight years, the car is running at a typical annual rate of around 7,800 miles, which is broadly in line with the national average. There are no obviously suspicious gaps in usage that might point to long periods of standing, which can be just as detrimental to mechanical condition as high mileage due to corrosion of brake discs, deterioration of fluid systems, and ageing of rubber components. Equally, the mileage is not so high as to suggest excessive wear on major drivetrain items, though on a 2018 vehicle approaching nine years of service, attention should turn towards the natural ageing of components regardless of how far the car has actually travelled. Routine servicing evidence, including cambelt or timing chain records depending on engine variant, brake fluid renewal, and coolant replacement, should be verified through the service book. The 2025 advisory concerning a slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint is a point worth investigating carefully. Ball joint wear on the C4 Cactus can progress steadily and is often accompanied by clonks or knocks when traversing speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or when turning at low speed. A further advisory noted that the front brake discs are worn, pitted, or scored, which is consistent with the mileage and age of the vehicle; during a test drive, attention should be given to any brake shudder through the steering wheel under firm application, and any grinding or squealing that might indicate the discs have worn beyond their service limit. The nearside rear tyre was flagged for slight damage, cracking, or perishing, and although this was advisory at the time, tyres on a vehicle of this age and mileage will inevitably be approaching replacement, so a thorough check of tread depth, sidewall integrity, and overall condition is essential. The registration plate deterioration and side repeater lens issues are cosmetic and easily rectified, but a buyer should confirm these have been attended to. Given the age and mileage profile of this C4 Cactus, even though no significant mechanical failures appear in the MOT record, several age-related checks are advisable before purchase. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing or cracking from age, particularly on a vehicle that has seen eight years of UV exposure regardless of mileage. The 12-volt battery is likely approaching the end of its typical service life and should be load-tested to ensure reliable starting, especially in colder months. Brake calipers may have begun to seize from infrequent or gentle use, so a test drive should include several firm stops to confirm the car pulls evenly and without dragging. Fluid condition, including engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant, should be verified for both age and contamination, as calendar-based degradation is just as relevant as mileage-based wear on a car of this vintage. Finally, the suspension should be assessed for any knocking or excessive travel over uneven surfaces, as the noted ball joint play could be a precursor to more substantial component replacement in the near term.