2014 Citroen C3 1.0L Petrol · HV14 LGF

The vehicle's roadworthiness status is currently compromised following a failed MOT test on 26 July 2024 at 69,380 miles. The maintenance trend shows a notable decline in mechanical condition compared to the clean passes recorded in 2021 and 2022. While the vehicle maintained a clean record for several years, the most recent inspection flagged serious engine management and emissions issues alongside suspension wear. This transition from a defect-free status to multiple failures suggests a sudden onset of mechanical deterioration rather than a gradual decline. The vehicle has covered 69,380 miles over its twelve-year lifespan, averaging approximately 5,782 miles per year. This represents low annual usage, which often implies lighter mechanical strain on the drivetrain. However, the data shows a significant jump in mileage between the August 2021 test at 64,761 miles and the April 2023 test at 66,356 miles, followed by a more rapid accumulation leading into the July 2024 failure. The low mileage does not preclude the development of age-related issues, particularly regarding rubber components and sensor reliability. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough investigation of the engine management system and exhaust integrity. The July 2024 failure specifically cited inoperative engine warning lights and excessive carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions, which points to potential issues with the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, or fuel mixture. These emissions faults are significant and require professional diagnostic verification to ensure the engine is running efficiently and meeting legal standards. The suspension and braking systems also require immediate attention. The tester identified excessively worn ball joints on both the nearside and offside front suspension arms during the 2024 test. This follows a previous advisory regarding a binding offside rear brake in April 2023. The recurrence of binding brake issues suggests a pattern of caliper or mechanism seizure. Any buyer should inspect the front suspension components for play and verify that the rear braking system operates freely without sticking.