2023 DS DS4 Trocadero Puretech SS Auto 1.2L Petrol · LB23 MLX

The defining mechanical story of this DS4 is a one-off exhaust emissions failure on 2026-01-30, which was followed by a clean pass just six weeks later on 2026-03-13 with no advisories recorded. The failure specifically involved carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon readings exceeding manufacturer-specified limits both at idle and after the second fast idle test, which points to a transient issue rather than a structural or chronic mechanical defect. The absence of any advisory items on the most recent pass means no brake, tyre, suspension, or corrosion concerns are currently logged, though the underlying cause of that emissions failure has not been formally documented in the test record. With only two MOT entries on file, the data set is short and any long-term trend assessment is necessarily limited, but the immediate pattern is one of a fault that was rectified between January and March of this year. Mileage on this 2023 plate stands at 15,374 miles, equating to roughly 5,125 miles per year over its recorded life, which is below average for a three-year-old vehicle. The MOT history reflects a continuous testing cadence with no obvious multi-year gaps in road use, suggesting the car has remained on the road and in regular service rather than being laid up for extended periods. Low annual mileage of this nature typically means reduced wear on high-friction components such as brake discs, pads, and clutches, and may preserve the condition of timing chains and turbocharger bearings through fewer thermal cycles. The trade-off with low-mileage petrol automatics is that standing time can promote oil seepage from gaskets, oxidisation of exhaust catalysts, and occasional sensor degradation, but the clean pass on the most recent test suggests none of these have yet manifested as observable defects. Given the emissions failure recorded in January, a prospective buyer should prioritise a focused review of the exhaust after-treatment system and engine management on any inspection. Request evidence of the remedial work carried out between January and March, including any diagnostic trouble codes that were logged and cleared, replacement components such as lambda sensors, spark plugs, or ignition coils, and whether the catalytic converter or oxygen sensors were inspected. On a test drive, listen carefully for any irregular idle hunting or roughness from cold start, as the failure at idle is more consistent with a fuelling or ignition irregularity than with gradual catalyst degradation. Check for any stored engine warning illumination on the dashboard, and verify that the vehicle completes a full warm-up cycle without hesitation or misfire under load, as hydrocarbons in the exhaust typically rise sharply when unburnt fuel is reaching the catalyst. Beyond the emissions history, this low-mileage example should be inspected for the typical standing-related issues that affect lightly used vehicles. During the test drive, pay close attention to the feel of the EAT8 automatic gearbox, looking for any shunt on initial engagement or delayed shifts that could indicate solenoid or fluid contamination from infrequent use. Listen for any clonks or thuds from the front suspension over speed bumps, as the original shock absorbers and bushes will be largely unexercised and may have stiffened or developed surface corrosion on their shafts. Finally, inspect the underbody, fuel filler area, and exhaust hangers for any surface corrosion given the short but real winter mileage accumulated, and confirm that the brake discs have not developed lipping or pitting from light occasional use followed by prolonged standing.