2016 Citroen C3 1.6L Diesel · HX16 NBL

The Citroën C3 has maintained a broadly stable roadworthiness record over the past two years, with only minor advisories and no major defects since the February 2024 test. The most recent MOT on January 30, 2026, at 41,074 miles passed with a single advisory for a near-side rear tyre cut—hardly critical but indicative of a need for vigilant tyre monitoring. The January 2025 failure, however, reveals a pattern of neglect in cosmetic and minor mechanical areas: discoloured rear indicators and an insecure exhaust system, both easily rectified but suggesting the vehicle may have sat unused or been stored improperly. The February 2024 test introduced more substantive advisories—near-side front shock absorber wear, rear wheel bearing play, and multiple tyre cuts—pointing to either deferred maintenance or inconsistent upkeep. While nothing here signals imminent structural failure, the recurrence of tyre and suspension advisories implies the vehicle has not been subject to rigorous, proactive maintenance. The C3’s mileage of just over 4,100 miles per year is unusually low for a decade-old car, averaging roughly 342 miles annually. This suggests either very light use, extended periods of disuse, or a combination of both. The gap between the February 2024 (37,684 miles) and February 2023 (36,483 miles) tests covers roughly 1,200 miles over a year—a pace that would barely stress most components. The lack of rapid mileage accumulation means wear on high-use items like brakes, clutch, and suspension should theoretically be minimal, though the 2024 advisories on the shock absorber and wheel bearing contradict this slightly. The January 2025 failure, occurring at 39,161 miles, was resolved quickly, but the absence of further tests until January 2026 raises questions about whether the car was driven infrequently or simply not MOT’d on time. Buyers should verify if the low mileage masks deferred maintenance or if the vehicle has genuinely seen limited service. A prospective buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of the suspension components, particularly the near-side front shock absorber and rear wheel bearing, given the advisories in February 2024. The wheel bearing play, if unaddressed, could lead to premature hub failure or even wheel detachment—a serious safety risk. Tyres should be examined closely for hidden damage, as cuts and perishing were recurrent across multiple tests, including the near-side front tyre’s cracking advisory in 2024. The exhaust system’s insecurity in 2025, while not a failure, hints at potential rust or loose mounting hardware, which could worsen over time. Structural integrity appears sound, but a thorough check for surface corrosion—especially around wheel arches, sills, and exhaust mounts—is advisable given the car’s age and the earlier exhaust advisory. The fog lamp failure in 2023, though minor, suggests electrical components may not have been fully serviced, so testing all lighting and basic electronics is prudent. Overall, the MOT history points to a vehicle that has avoided major issues but has seen inconsistent attention to wear items.