2015 Citroen Dispatch 1.6L Diesel · L88 RTA

The most recent MOT, dated 27 July 2026, was passed but returned several advisories concerning the off‑side rear shock absorber oil mist, the near‑side front anti‑roll bar linkage ball‑joint play, a severely deteriorated CV boot on the off‑side front drive‑shaft, a non‑functional upper stop lamp and a minor mirror damage. Over the preceding three years the pattern shows a gradual accumulation of wear‑related advisories – brake discs on all corners have been flagged repeatedly for scoring and thinning, the front anti‑roll bar ball joint has persisted with slight play, and sub‑frame corrosion was noted in 2025. Although none of these items have yet caused a failure, the trend is clearly moving towards increasing wear rather than improvement, and the 2024 failure for the position lamp and brake‑disc condition underscores that remedial work has been required to retain roadworthiness. At 123 029 miles the vehicle averages roughly 11 200 miles per annum, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope for a 2015 model. There are no obvious mileage gaps in the recorded history that would suggest prolonged periods of inactivity, so the wear observed is consistent with steady, moderate use. The mileage level means that consumables such as brake pads, discs, suspension bushings and tyre tread are approaching the latter stages of their service lives, and the cumulative distance will have placed a measurable load on the drivetrain and sub‑frame. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the braking system. All four discs have been flagged as pitted or scored on several occasions; while they remain within the legal minimum thickness, the progressive scoring will soon necessitate replacement to avoid reduced braking efficiency, pedal pulsation or increased stopping distances. Inspect the discs for deep grooves or rust on the backing plate, and feel for any shudder or vibration during firm braking on a test drive. The front anti‑roll bar ball‑joint play can manifest as a clunk or knock when negotiating bumps or during hard cornering; a qualified suspension inspection should confirm whether the joint can be tightened or requires replacement. The severely deteriorated CV boots on both front drive‑shafts are prone to grease loss and eventual joint failure, which would be heard as clicking or whirring from the front wheels under acceleration. Verify that the boots are dry and intact, and ask whether the CV joints have been repacked recently. The off‑side rear shock absorber oil mist may indicate a minor seal leak; check for dampness on the rear wheel arches and monitor for a soft or uneven ride, especially when loaded. Beyond the specific advisories, age‑related checks are advisable. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening, as tyres older than ten years can fail even with adequate tread depth. Test the 12 V battery voltage and load, particularly if the car has spent periods standing idle, and confirm that the alternator charges correctly. Verify that all fluids – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been changed within the manufacturer’s intervals, as time‑degraded fluids can lose protective properties. Finally, ensure the upper stop lamp and any other non‑obligatory lamps are restored to full operation, and request a full service record to corroborate that the sub‑frame corrosion area noted in 2025 has been treated or monitored. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the vehicle’s current condition and the imminent maintenance budget required.