2019 DS DS3 1.2L Petrol · LB69 BLV

A persistent windscreen wiper issue stands out as the defining mechanical theme in this DS3's MOT record. The most recent test on 7 November 2025 produced a clean pass with no defects recorded, yet the very same date also shows a failure, with both nearside and offside wiper blades flagged as not clearing the windscreen effectively. This effectively means the vehicle failed and then passed on the same day once the wipers were replaced, a common scenario but one worth noting. Looking further back, a minor advisory for a defective offside wiper blade was issued in October 2024, suggesting the wiper mechanism may be prone to premature deterioration rather than being an isolated one-off failure. The remaining tests in 2022 and 2023 were clean of any wiper-related defects, with the 2023 pass only noting rear brake pads wearing thin alongside the routine engine cover and under tray advisories that obscure lower component inspection. With approximately 31,640 miles recorded over seven years, this DS3 has averaged around 4,500 miles annually, which is well below typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The mileage progression between tests appears broadly consistent with annual accumulations in the 4,000 to 5,000 mile range, suggesting the car has been in regular but light use rather than left standing for extended periods. Such modest mileage typically means wear items like brake discs, tyres, and clutch components have experienced less thermal and mechanical cycling, but it also raises the usual questions around seals, hoses, and brake calipers that can seize when used infrequently. The annual testing cadence has remained stable with no notable gaps, indicating the vehicle has been kept on the road continuously. For a prospective buyer, the brake system warrants close physical inspection given the 2023 advisory for thinning rear brake pads. Even at the time of that test the pads were flagged as wearing thin, so by now with potentially another 10,000 miles of use, the rear pads are almost certainly due for replacement and the rear discs should be measured for wear and checked for lipping or corrosion around the outer edge. During a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding from the rear axle on light brake application, and feel for any vibration through the brake pedal or steering wheel under firm stopping which could indicate disc run-out. The handbrake should hold the car on a moderate incline without creeping, as seized rear caliper mechanisms are a known issue on lightly used vehicles of this age. The wiper system, having now failed outright, should be inspected to confirm both the new wiper blades are correctly fitted and that the wiper linkage and motor are functioning smoothly without skipping or juddering across the screen. Turn the wipers on across all speeds and observe whether the blades sweep cleanly to the extremities of the glass or leave un-wiped arcs, as linkage wear can mimic a simple blade failure. A general inspection underneath the vehicle is also worthwhile given the under tray fitment noted in 2023, which will have prevented a thorough visual check of the exhaust, suspension arms, and underbody condition at that test. With the under tray removed, look for any surface corrosion on suspension components, check the condition of the rear brake pipes and flexible hoses for cracking or bulging, and confirm there are no oil leaks from the engine or transmission. Given the low annual mileage, also exercise the vehicle through full steering lock in both directions to verify there are no clonks or stiffness from the power steering system, a common symptom of infrequent use on urban-focused superminis.