2016 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · LB65 PCF

The most recent MOT on 14 April 2026 recorded a pass, but it was accompanied by an advisory that the tyres on both the rear and the front are beginning to perish, and the vehicle also failed the same test for an off‑side headlamp that does not illuminate on dipped beam. Earlier in the series of tests the car has shown a pattern of minor, recurring advisories – tyre edge wear in 2021, a snapped rear tailgate strut and thin front brake pads in 2024, and a deteriorating CV joint boot on the off‑side front prop‑shaft in the same year. Although there have been no major safety‑critical failures, the trend is one of gradual wear and a few components reaching the end of their service life rather than an improving condition. At 62 961 mi the vehicle averages roughly 6 300 mi per annum over its ten‑year life, which sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope. The mileage does not suggest any period of intensive high‑speed running, but the relatively low annual distance also means that age‑related degradation – particularly tyre perishing, rubber hardening and corrosion – is likely to be more significant than mileage‑driven wear. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, so the odometer reading can be taken as reliable for assessing component life. A prospective buyer should give the tyre set a thorough visual and tactile inspection. Look for side‑wall cracks, dry rot, and any bulges; the advisory indicates that all four tyres are approaching the end of their useful life and replacement is advisable before any further road use. Verify that the off‑side headlamp illuminates correctly on both dipped and main beams and check the wiring harness for corrosion or loose connections, as a faulty lamp can be symptomatic of a deteriorating loom. The rear tailgate strut should be tested for proper extension and weight holding – a snapped strut will need replacement to avoid sudden closure. On a test drive, listen for a clicking or clunking noise when accelerating, which would point to the CV joint boot issue; any excess play in the joint or grease leakage would indicate that the joint may need rebuilding or replacement. Given the vehicle’s age, inspect the suspension for worn bushes, cracked coil springs and any uneven tyre wear that could reveal alignment or damper problems. Examine the front brake discs for scoring and measure pad thickness; thin pads combined with worn discs can cause brake shudder. Check the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and have the battery load‑tested, as a ten‑year‑old battery often loses capacity. Finally, confirm that the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant have been changed at the recommended intervals – fluid degradation is a calendar‑driven issue that can affect lubrication and braking performance even on a car with modest mileage. A full service history and receipts for recent tyre and brake work will give additional confidence in the car’s mechanical soundness.