2023 Citroen C3 Shine + Puretech S/S Auto 1.2L Petrol · LC73 HPL

The MOT history for this 2023 Citroen C3 Shine + PureTech S/S Auto is exceptionally sparse, with only a single test recorded on 02 February 2026 where the vehicle passed and emerged with just one advisory. That advisory noted that the nearside front tyre was worn close to the legal limit on the outer edge, which is an unusual wear pattern and not simply an indication of general tread depletion. Outer-edge wear on a single front tyre typically points to a wheel alignment issue, most commonly excess positive camber or possibly excessive toe-out on that corner, and it suggests the tracking was either out of specification or that the tyre has been subjected to uneven loading or cornering forces. Because there are no prior tests to establish a pattern, this single advisory represents the entirety of the recorded defect history, meaning there is no evidence from DVSA data of recurring suspension, braking, corrosion, or exhaust issues, but equally there is no longitudinal trend to confirm mechanical stability over time. With a recorded mileage of 18,368 miles spread across approximately three years, this C3 has averaged around 6,123 miles annually, which sits squarely within typical usage parameters for a modern supermini. There are no recorded mileage gaps or sudden jumps between tests, and given that only one MOT has been logged, the vehicle would have first required testing in February 2026 as a three-year-old car, which aligns correctly with its registration date. This moderate usage profile means the major mechanical assemblies such as the clutch, turbocharger, dual-clutch automatic transmission, and brake friction materials will not have been subjected to heavy wear, though the relatively low annual mileage does mean that some consumables may have aged through time rather than use, particularly brake fluid, coolant, and the 12V battery. The PureTech engine family has a documented history of timing belt stretch and premature wear issues under stop-start urban conditions, so the specific driving environment matters more than the headline mileage figure. From a buyer perspective, the front tyre wear advisory deserves direct physical inspection at the test drive stage. With the engine running and the vehicle parked on level ground, visually inspect the nearside front tyre for feathering or a stepped shoulder on the outer rib, and compare it directly against the offside front to determine whether the wear is genuinely asymmetric. During the test drive, pay particular attention to steering feel; any pulling to the left, vibration through the wheel at speed, or a reluctance to self-centre after a corner would indicate that the underlying alignment problem has not been resolved. Request evidence of a four-wheel alignment having been carried out since the advisory was issued, as simply replacing the tyre without correcting the geometry will result in the same wear pattern recurring within a few thousand miles. Also inspect all four tyres for age-related sidewall cracking, as the relatively modest mileage can sometimes correlate with older production dates if the vehicle stood on a forecourt prior to registration. The PureTech 1.2-litre turbocharged engine and its associated EAT6 automatic transmission warrant specific attention given the known engineering concerns with this powertrain. On a cold start, listen for any timing chain rattle from the right-hand side of the engine, as a stretched chain or worn tensioner is a recognised failure point on earlier PureTech units, although the 2023 model year should benefit from revised components. Once at operating temperature, check for any signs of coolant loss, milky residue on the oil cap, or a sweet smell from the exhaust, as head gasket failures have been reported on this engine family. On the road, verify that the automatic transmission changes smoothly through all ratios without hesitation, slipping, or harsh engagement, particularly during low-speed manoeuvres where the EAT6 unit has historically been prone to juddering. Finally, inspect the underside of the front subframe and suspension arms for any signs of surface corrosion, check the rear torsion beam bushes for splitting, and examine the brake discs for lipping or scoring, all of which are routine items that an MOT at this low mileage would not necessarily flag but which become relevant inspection points for a prospective buyer.