2018 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · LB67 VBL

A pattern of emerging front-end wear and oil seepage dominates this Citroen C3's MOT record, with the most recent test on 21 April 2026 passing only after a dangerous tyre failure the day before forced remedial action. Since the clean 2022 and 2023 tests, the vehicle has accumulated repeated advisories for front brake disc pitting and scoring, first noted in May 2025 when the inner pads were also flagged as wearing thin. The oil leak advisory appeared simultaneously in 2025 and persisted into 2026, and the nearside front tyre was already recorded as worn close to the legal limit before the dangerous tread-depth failure occurred. This trajectory suggests progressive degradation of consumables rather than isolated incidents, and a buyer should weigh whether the front braking components and engine sealing are approaching the threshold of further intervention. With 67,454 miles recorded over eight years, annual accumulation sits at roughly 8,432 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant testing gaps to indicate long periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady and consistent. Mechanically, this level of use means consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension components are now in the wear phase where multiple items tend to require replacement in close succession. The absence of long lay-up periods reduces the likelihood of seized calipers, perished hoses, or 12V battery degradation from standing, but the front brake disc scoring recorded in two consecutive tests suggests the discs may be nearing the minimum thickness and could require replacement alongside the pads. A prospective buyer should carry out a focused inspection of the front braking system, starting with a feel test for brake pedal pulsation or judder under firm application, which would indicate the pitted or scored discs have reached the point of requiring machining or replacement. The inner brake pads flagged in 2025 should be physically inspected for remaining material thickness, as inner pads are often overlooked and can wear disproportionately on vehicles with sliding calipers. With the engine oil leak persisting across two tests, it would be prudent to examine the underside for fresh seepage around the sump, cam cover, and turbo or oil filter housing, and to check the oil level on the dipstick before any test drive, given the 2025 advisory for low oil. Any blue smoke from the exhaust on startup or under load could point to valve stem seals or piston ring wear associated with prolonged oil loss. On the road, particular attention should be paid to knocking or clonking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn top mounts, bottom arms, or anti-roll bar linkages given the mileage. Steering response should remain accurate without vibration through the wheel, which can also be symptomatic of the recorded brake disc wear. The tyres should be inspected closely for uneven shoulder wear, which can indicate misaligned tracking or worn suspension bushes, and the nearside front should be checked to confirm the dangerous tread-depth failure has been properly resolved with a matching replacement. Finally, with the recurring nail-in-tyre advisories, the wheel arch liners and sidewall rubber should be examined for previous plug repairs, as multiple repairs in close proximity can compromise structural integrity.