2009 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · HV09 MMJ

The Citroën C1’s most recent MOT, conducted just five months ago on 2025-12-09, reveals a vehicle that passed with no defects despite a concurrent failure for a non-critical washer issue and a major exhaust leak—both easily addressable. However, the December 2024 tests expose a concerning pattern of unresolved mechanical faults, including binding rear brakes and severe tyre degradation, which were either repeated or only partially resolved in subsequent tests. The December 2023 record further highlights chronic issues: corroded rear coil springs, deteriorated suspension components, and worn tyres nearing legal limits. While the vehicle has passed its most recent test, the persistence of exhaust leaks, brake binding, and suspension wear suggests inconsistent maintenance rather than a sudden deterioration. The recorded mileage of 113,830 miles over 17 years reflects an average of approximately 6,700 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps or spikes in mileage between tests, though the December 2024 failures occurred within a single day (108,433 and 108,441 miles), indicating the tester likely caught multiple issues in one session. The lack of extended periods with zero mileage suggests the car was driven regularly, which could explain accelerated wear on consumables like tyres and brakes. However, the absence of a pre-MOT service record means no independent verification of maintenance intervals exists. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the rear suspension, particularly the coil springs and bushes, given the 2023 corrosion advisory and the 2024 tyre failures. The repeated binding of rear brakes—first noted in 2023 and confirmed in 2024—demands verification of hydraulic or mechanical adjustments, as persistent drag can overheat components. The exhaust system’s recurring leaks, now classified as major, warrant a visual check for rusted joints or cracked pipes, especially around the centre-to-rear joint. Tyre condition remains critical; the near-side rear tyre was worn to the legal limit in 2023, and the offside tyre showed perishing in multiple tests, so tread depth and structural integrity must be reassessed. Finally, the front anti-roll bar linkage and ball joint dust cover deterioration in 2023 should be examined for excessive play or fluid leakage, as these can compromise handling.