2014 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · HY54 BEX

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 11 February 2026, but the result was accompanied by a cluster of advisories that warrant close scrutiny from any prospective buyer. These included worn, pitted, or scored front brake discs, corrosion of the front sub-frame and rear inner vehicle structure within 30cm of a mounting point, and worn front lower suspension arm pins or bushes, specifically the rear bushes. Reviewing the broader DVSA history shows a progressive pattern of wear-related advisories across consecutive tests, with front tyre edge wear noted in both 2024 and 2025, a corroded offside rear brake pipe flagged in 2023, and a serious failure earlier in 2023 involving dangerously thin front brake pads and a front brake disc deemed seriously weakened. While there is no immediate pass failure risk from the current advisories, the recurring nature of braking system and suspension concerns suggests that maintenance has been reactive rather than preventative, and a buyer should anticipate nearer-term rectification of brake components and suspension wear items. With a recorded mileage of 108,251 miles over roughly twelve years, this C1 has averaged approximately 9,021 miles annually, which sits squarely within typical usage parameters for a small city car of its age. There are no unusual gaps in the MOT record or indications of extended periods of standing, nor is there evidence of abnormally high mileage accumulation that would point to fleet or heavy commuter use. The relatively consistent annual mileage suggests steady mechanical wear consistent with the age and type of vehicle, and one would expect consumable items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension components to require replacement on a recurring basis. The brake components in particular, given their repeated appearance in the test record, should be considered a priority area for inspection regardless of the mileage figure. In terms of physical checks, a prospective buyer should begin with a thorough inspection of the braking system. The 2023 dangerous failure for brake pads under 1.5mm and a seriously weakened front brake disc, combined with the 2026 advisory for worn and pitted front discs, indicates that the front braking system has been under considerable stress or has received only minimum compliant maintenance. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, which would indicate disc runout or excessive wear, and feel for any pulling to one side suggesting a binding caliper. The discs should be measured for remaining thickness against the manufacturer’s minimum specification, and the pads checked for material depth. Given the recent advisory, a budget for front disc replacement alongside pad renewal should be anticipated, and the brake fluid, which is hygroscopic and degrades over time regardless of mileage, should be refreshed as a matter of course. The structural and suspension advisories deserve equal attention. Corrosion of the front sub-frame and rear inner structure within 30cm of a mounting point are typical age-related concerns for a vehicle now in its twelfth year, and while the test station deemed structural rigidity not significantly reduced, this corrosion will progress over time and should be monitored at each annual test. The worn front lower suspension arm rear bushes should be inspected by physically levering the arm to check for excessive play, and on the road any clonking over speed bumps, vague steering response, or uneven front tyre wear, particularly inner or outer edge wear as previously flagged, would confirm the need for replacement. It is also worth inspecting the rear brake pipe that was flagged as corroded in 2023, as brake pipe corrosion beneath greasy underbody coatings can mask ongoing deterioration and may warrant replacement on safety grounds. Beyond the recorded defects, given the vehicle’s age, attention should be paid to tyre sidewalls for cracking or perishing from age-related rubber degradation, the 12V battery for cold-start performance and voltage retention, coolant condition and replacement history, and the condition of the timing chain or belt service interval, all of which become increasingly relevant on a twelve-year-old vehicle regardless of its recorded mileage.