2012 Citroen Nemo 1.2L Diesel · LC12 CPF

The latest DVSA MOT test conducted on 2026-03-02 returned a passing result, though it included several advisories that warrant careful consideration. The overall maintenance trend over the past four years is stable, with no failures recorded since 2022 and only minor advisories noted in the most recent test. The presence of consistent brake wear advisories—particularly the thin front brake pads and worn but not excessively thin brake discs—suggests that the braking system has been subject to regular use, likely due to the vehicle’s lower-than-expected mileage. The offside shock absorbers showing light misting of oil is a critical advisory, indicating potential internal damage or degradation that could lead to reduced damping effectiveness if not addressed soon. This condition often manifests as a loss of ride control, uneven tyre wear, or a noticeable clunking or slapping noise during cornering or over bumps, particularly when the vehicle is driven at higher speeds. The recorded mileage of 64,342 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 14 years represents a relatively low annual usage rate of around 4,596 miles per year, which is atypical for a car of this age. Such low mileage can arise from prolonged periods of inactivity, particularly if the vehicle has been stored in a garage or kept in a low-traffic environment. However, this usage profile does not necessarily correlate with reduced wear—especially in components like brakes and suspension, which are often subjected to higher stress from frequent, lighter use rather than long-distance, high-mileage driving. The rear tyre nail advisory from 2024 suggests a minor puncture that was repaired, which, while not immediately critical, indicates a need for vigilance regarding tyre integrity, especially given the potential for future damage from road debris or poor road conditions. Given the advisories present in the latest MOT, the prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system. The thin brake pads and worn discs indicate that the pads will need replacement soon, with a target of approximately 30,000 to 50,000 miles depending on driving habits. During a test drive, listen for a grinding noise when applying the brakes, which would signal that the pads are nearly worn down to the backing plate—a condition that compromises braking performance and safety. Additionally, check for uneven brake disc wear, which could indicate warping or binding, often caused by overheating or excessive force during braking. The misted-offside shock absorber should be inspected for further signs of oil leakage or internal failure, such as a loss of spring compression or excessive bounce when hitting a bump. If the issue persists, the shock absorber may need replacement, which can be costly but is essential for maintaining vehicle stability and safety. Beyond the immediate advisories, the buyer should conduct a comprehensive physical inspection of the vehicle’s structural and fluid-based components. Given the low annual mileage, the risk of tyre sidewall cracking or perishing from age is elevated, particularly if the tyres have been stored in a warm or dry environment for extended periods. Check the tyre tread depth and sidewall condition, focusing on any signs of dry rot, cracks, or blisters, which can compromise tyre integrity and lead to sudden failure. The near-side headlamp advisory suggests a minor issue with the lens, but this is unlikely to affect roadworthiness unless the light output is significantly reduced, which would be evident during a test drive. For the 12V battery, given the vehicle’s age and potential prolonged periods of inactivity, test its charge and voltage levels, as a dead or failing battery can leave the vehicle inoperable. Lastly, consider verifying the service history for fluid servicing, such as brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, which should be replaced at 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every five years, whichever comes first, to prevent corrosion and degradation of these critical systems. If the service book is not available, a professional inspection to confirm fluid condition and replace as necessary is strongly advised.