2012 Citroen C3 1.4L Petrol · GY62 JDU

The Citroën C3’s most recent MOT, conducted just 16 days ago on 11 June 2026, reveals a vehicle that passed with no defects despite an initial failure on the same day for electrical faults—specifically, a cluster of non-working lamps and an untestable headlamp aim. This suggests the issue was rectified promptly, though the failure itself indicates a history of neglect in basic electrical maintenance. The June 2025 tests, however, paint a far more concerning picture: the vehicle failed on 11 June with severe suspension failures (fractured front and rear coil springs, delaminated swivel pin bushes, and a binding rear brake), alongside persistent tyre wear and leaks. While the June 2025 failure was followed by a partial pass on 25 June, the same structural issues recurred, implying they were either unresolved or only temporarily patched. The 2024 pass shows a pattern of deferred maintenance, with worn suspension components, low parking brake readings, and excessive tyre wear noted repeatedly. The trend is unmistakably worsening, with critical suspension and braking elements deteriorating over time rather than being addressed. The recorded mileage of 83,191 miles over 14 years—approximately 5,942 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting prolonged periods of inactivity rather than consistent light use. The gaps between tests are consistent, with annual MOTs, but the lack of higher mileage means wear items like brakes, suspension, and tyres may have been under greater stress during brief periods of use. Notably, the 2025 failures occurred over just 54 miles, indicating the vehicle was likely driven sporadically rather than regularly. This intermittent usage could explain why some consumables, like tyres, were allowed to degrade to critical limits before correction. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the suspension and braking systems, given the repeated failures in June 2025. The MOT history highlights fractured coil springs (both front and rear), delaminated swivel pin bushes, and a binding rear brake, all of which pose serious structural and safety risks. The rear axle swivel pins and bushes were flagged as worn in multiple tests, suggesting they may now be compromised. Brake hoses with corrosion to ferrules should also be examined for potential leaks or internal corrosion, while the near-side rear tyre tread was previously worn to 3mm—check for uneven wear or remaining tread depth. Electrical faults, particularly the recurring lamp failures, indicate either poor wiring maintenance or a history of ignored repairs. Given the vehicle’s age and the pattern of deferred mechanical issues, a full pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician is strongly advised.