2015 Citroen DS3 1.6L Petrol · KV15 OSF

The 2015 Citroen DS3 presents a mixed maintenance picture that has deteriorated noticeably in its most recent test cycle. The June 2025 MOT record shows a failure followed immediately by a pass at 73,350 miles, but the defects flagged point to genuine structural and safety concerns rather than trivial niggles. The trend is worsening. A clean pass in May 2024 with zero defects gave way to corrosion on an offside rear coil spring and headlamp aim failure within twelve months. Recurring advisory wear on both front tyre edges at the same test suggests alignment or suspension geometry issues have gone unchecked. This is not a vehicle that has been steadily maintained; it appears to have slipped through a period of neglect before receiving just enough attention to scrape through its most recent test. At 73,350 miles over roughly eleven years, the annual average of approximately 6,668 miles is modest and typical for a small city hatchback. The mileage progression is steady and unremarkable, climbing from 52,185 miles in June 2022 to 62,073 miles in May 2024, then jumping to 73,350 by June 2025. That final year saw over 11,000 miles added, a significant increase that may explain the sudden emergence of corrosion and tyre wear. There are no alarming gaps in the record that suggest the car sat unused for extended periods, though the relatively low lifetime mileage means any structural corrosion is more concerning than it would be on a high-mileage example. A buyer should inspect the offside rear coil spring closely for section loss and pitting, not just surface rust. Corrosion on a load-bearing spring is a serious structural risk that can lead to sudden failure. The headlamp aim defect, while easily corrected, hints at possible front-end impact damage or a worn suspension component affecting ride height. Both front tyres wearing on their edges at the same test strongly suggests toe misalignment or worn tracking, so a four-wheel geometry check is essential. The worn lower suspension arm bushes flagged in June 2023 at 56,340 miles were advisory only, but given the subsequent tyre wear pattern, it is worth confirming whether those bushes have since been replaced or have deteriorated further. The TPMS warning light noted in 2023 also warrants attention, as it may indicate a slow puncture, faulty sensor, or a system that has simply never been reset after tyre replacement. Brake components, exhaust condition, and underbody corrosion should all be physically inspected given the car's age and the pattern of deferred maintenance visible in its record.