2009 Citroen C4 1.6L Petrol · LB09 FMP

The most recent MOT test for this 2009 Citroën C4 was conducted on 2023-10-06, resulting in a pass despite persistent advisories across all four brake discs and the offside rear tyre. However, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring advisories rather than a clear improvement or stability, with the same issues—particularly brake disc wear, thin brake pads, and tyre perishing—reappearing in multiple tests. The failures in 2022 and 2021, including a critical failure for the offside stop lamp, suggest that while the vehicle has passed MOTs, underlying mechanical wear has not been fully addressed, and the advisories indicate ongoing degradation that could escalate without proactive maintenance. The presence of play in the steering rack inner joint in prior tests also points to potential long-term issues with steering system integrity, which could lead to misalignment, excessive wear on suspension components, or even steering instability if ignored. The recorded mileage of 108,555 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 17 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 6,386 miles, which is within the expected range for a car of this age and class. However, the mileage alone does not fully explain the wear patterns observed in the MOT history. A closer look suggests potential periods of prolonged inactivity, as the vehicle’s usage rate has not been consistently high—particularly given the age and typical maintenance intervals for this model. This could contribute to issues such as brake disc corrosion from standing, brake pad glazing from infrequent use, and potential fluid degradation in hydraulic systems due to stagnation. Additionally, the offside rear tyre showing signs of cracking or perishing may reflect either prolonged storage or uneven wear patterns that warrant further investigation, as such tyres can fail suddenly and pose a safety risk. Given the recurring advisories on brake discs and pads, the buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system. Focus on the brake discs for signs of excessive warping, scoring, or corrosion, particularly on the offside rear where wear is most pronounced. Listen for uneven brake pedal travel or a spongy feel, which could indicate air in the hydraulic system or worn brake lines. Inspect the brake pads for glazing, uneven thickness, or excessive wear, and check for any binding or binding calipers, which may suggest seized components or hydraulic failure. During a test drive, monitor for brake shudder, which could signal disc warping or contamination from brake dust or moisture. Impending maintenance should prioritise replacing the thin brake pads and potentially the worn discs, especially if the corrosion or pitting is severe, as this could lead to reduced braking performance or failure under load. For the steering system, the play in the steering rack inner joint observed in prior tests is critical to address. Visually inspect the steering rack for signs of oil leaks, which could indicate a failing seal or internal component failure. Check for excessive play when turning the wheel, which may suggest worn or broken steering linkages, bushings, or a failing rack-to-knuckle linkage. Listen for clunking noises during cornering, which could indicate worn suspension bushes or damaged coil springs. The offside rear tyre’s cracking or perishing should be replaced immediately, as such tyres are prone to sudden blowouts and pose a significant safety hazard. Additionally, given the vehicle’s age and the potential for fluid stagnation, the buyer should verify the condition of the 12V battery, checking for corrosion on terminals and ensuring it holds a charge. Finally, since the vehicle has not had a full service in recent years, consider checking the fluid levels in the engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant, as these fluids degrade over time and can lead to catastrophic failures if not replaced. If the battery and fluids appear old, a full fluid top-up and battery replacement may be advisable to prevent further issues.