2019 Citroen C4 1.2L Petrol · LD69 NHM

The defining mechanical event in this Citroen C4's recent history is a dangerous rear brake failure recorded on 5 August 2025, when the nearside rear brake pads were found to be less than 1.5 mm thick. The same test produced major defects for an obviously worn offside rear brake disc and rear service brake lagging in operation, alongside advisories for both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit on the nearside and offside edges. The vehicle subsequently passed an MOT the same day with a single advisory for a nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit, and then passed again on 5 August 2026 with no defects recorded. While the current certificate is clean, the abrupt appearance of a dangerous brake wear failure after three consecutive clean passes in 2022, 2023, and 2024 indicates that the rear brake system, particularly the pads, discs, and possibly the caliper or hydraulic actuation, was not monitored effectively in the lead-up to the 2025 test. The trailing edge wear pattern flagged on the front tyres is also worth noting, as it can be linked to suspension geometry, camber issues, or incorrect inflation rather than simple age-related wear. At 69,214 miles over roughly seven years, this C4 has accumulated approximately 9,888 miles annually, which sits close to the typical average for its age. There are no extended gaps in the testing record that would suggest a long period off the road, and the mileage progression between tests is broadly consistent with steady, regular use. For this mileage bracket on a 2019 vehicle, attention should logically focus on the consumables and chassis components that have already begun to surface as issues: rear brake components, front suspension geometry, and tyre wear patterns. The combination of typical annual mileage and a sudden brake failure suggests the rear braking system was either subject to uneven wear rates or was inspected infrequently prior to the 2025 test. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is to verify the quality and completeness of the remedial work carried out after the August 2025 failure. Confirm that the rear brake pads, the offside rear brake disc, and any components associated with the lagging service brake were replaced with new parts rather than refurbished items, and obtain the corresponding invoice. On a test drive, the rear braking should be evaluated carefully: feel for pull to one side under firm pedal pressure, listen for any grinding, squealing, or metallic noise from the rear hubs, and check for a soft or spongy pedal that could indicate incomplete hydraulic bleeding or a sticking caliper. The handbrake should hold the vehicle on a moderate incline without creeping, and there should be no vibration through the pedal under braking which could point to remaining disc run-out. The front tyre edge wear flagged twice in 2025 warrants close inspection of the front suspension geometry and condition. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clonking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which can indicate worn suspension arms, bushes, or drop links. Steering should return to centre smoothly without delay, and the vehicle should track straight on a flat road without pulling. Inspect all four tyres for uneven shoulder wear, and check the sidewalls for any cracking or bulging associated with age. Beneath the vehicle, look for any corrosion on exposed brake lines, suspension components, and underbody structural elements, and verify that no warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard. Given the rear brake failure pattern, a borescope inspection of the rear caliper guides and slider mechanisms at a specialist garage would be a prudent step before purchase.