2009 Citroen C3 1.6L Petrol · HV59 HHW

A persistent pattern of safety‑critical defects – notably repeated headlamp aim failures, tyre condition warnings and corrosion of the rear coil springs – dominates this 2009 Citroën C3’s MOT history, with the latest test on 1 October 2025 passing only advisory items such as a frayed off‑side front seat‑belt webbing and a slightly worn steering‑column bearing. Earlier failures in 2022, 2024 and 2025 centred on headlamp mis‑aim and dangerously worn or damaged tyres, while the rear suspension has been flagged for corroded coil springs each year since 2022 and a defective rear‑exhaust mounting since 2023. The record therefore shows a vehicle that has struggled to maintain compliance in lighting, tyre safety and rear‑suspension integrity, even though it has managed to clear recent tests after remedial work. At 116,452 mi recorded over roughly 17 years the average annual mileage works out to about 6,850 mi, which sits comfortably within typical UK usage for a vehicle of this age. The MOT entries are spaced at roughly twelve‑month intervals with no significant gaps, suggesting the car has been regularly tested rather than left off the road for extended periods. This mileage level implies moderate wear on consumables such as brakes, tyres and suspension bushings, but it does not alone indicate excessive stress; the mechanical concerns arise more from the specific defect pattern than from mileage alone. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the lighting system – check that both near‑side and off‑side headlamps are correctly aimed and that lenses are intact, as repeated aim failures have previously rendered the vehicle unsafe. Examine all four tyres for tread depth well above the 1.6 mm legal minimum, look for sidewall cracks, exposed cords or any signs of perishing rubber, and be prepared to replace them if any damage is evident. During a low‑speed drive, listen for clunking or knocking over bumps that could indicate corroded rear coil springs or worn rear suspension bushes, and feel the steering for any excess free play that may stem from the slight rack movement noted in 2023. A rattling or loose exhaust note would corroborate the ongoing rear‑exhaust mounting defect, while the frayed off‑side front seat‑belt webbing should be replaced before any further use. Finally, verify the structural integrity of the near‑side rear sill and the condition of the near‑side front door, both of which have been recorded as soft or damaged, and inspect the steering‑column top bearing for wear that could affect steering feel. Any unusual noises, vibrations or pulling during a test drive should be investigated further, as they may point to underlying corrosion or mounting issues that have repeatedly appeared in the MOT record. Addressing these specific items will be essential to bring the vehicle to a consistently road‑worthy state.