2015 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · LC65 PZX

The most recent DVSA examination dated 9 September 2025 resulted in a pass, though a single advisory was issued for a nail embedded in the offside front tyre, a defect also noted at the previous failed test on 27 August 2025 where the primary reason for refusal was a non-functioning nearside side repeater lamp, classed as a major defect under Section 4.4.1 (a) (ii). Prior to that the vehicle has recorded a consistent run of passes stretching back to 2020, with the overall pattern of advisories suggesting a generally stable but not impeccable maintenance profile. None of the recorded advisories indicate any structural corrosion, brake system deterioration beyond pad wear, or suspension component failure, which is reassuring for an eleven year old vehicle. The intermittent issues have largely centred on tyre condition, a child seat obscuring belt inspection, and minor consumable items, none of which point to systemic neglect. With 67,708 miles accumulated over approximately eleven years, this C4 is averaging around 6,155 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical usage band for a car of its age and suggests neither excessive motorway commuting nor prolonged standing. The mileage progression between MOT entries appears steady and plausible, with no evidence of clock discrepancies or unusually rapid accumulation that might indicate heavy commercial use. That said, annual mileage of this modest level often combines regular short journeys with the occasional longer run, a usage pattern that tends to be harder on components such as the cooling system, brake discs and the 12V battery, all of which benefit from sustained periods of operation to remain in good condition. The advisory history showing a low coolant level in 2024 is particularly worth noting, as chronic low coolant can be symptomatic of a small leak, a failing header tank, or more rarely a head gasket concern, and warrants verification. Looking at the recurring and recurring-adjacent items, the tyre-related advisories are the most prominent theme, with offside front edge wear flagged in both 2020 and 2022, a nail in the offside front tyre across 2024 and 2025, and a nearside rear tyre flagged for perishing or cracking in 2024. This pattern suggests the vehicle may be carrying a slight tracking misalignment, possibly worn front suspension bushes or top mounts, or simply that replacement tyres have not been of premium quality. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and observe whether the steering pulls to one side under braking or acceleration, both of which would indicate geometry or bush issues. The nearside rear tyre perishing advisory is particularly relevant given the calendar age of the vehicle; even tyres with adequate tread can suffer sidewall cracking from age, and any prospective purchase should include a close physical inspection of all four sidewalls for visible crazing or brittleness, regardless of remaining tread depth. Beyond the recorded MOT history, a buyer should carry out several age and mileage appropriate checks. Given the low coolant advisory from 2024, inspect the header tank, radiator, and all visible coolant hoses for staining or weeping, and confirm the level is at the maximum mark with the engine cold. Examine the brake discs for any significant lipping or surface corrosion, as standing periods combined with the 2019 advisory on rear brake pad wear could mean the calipers have begun to seize, a fault that often manifests as a pulling sensation under braking or rear brake drag after the car has been parked. Verify the 12V battery state of health and its date code, as eleven years on the original unit would be exceptional, and even a relatively recent replacement can sulphate from infrequent long runs. Check the timing belt or cam belt replacement interval against the service book, as the PSA-sourced engines typically require belt changes at five to six year intervals, and confirm that the timing chain (if fitted) has no history of rattle on cold start. Finally, a thorough road test should include a cold start to listen for any diesel knock or petrol engine timing chain rattle, operation of the air conditioning to confirm compressor engagement, and a check of all exterior lighting including the previously failed side repeater to ensure full functionality.