2010 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · LG10 XYL

The most recent DVSA examination on 4 October 2024 resulted in a PASS, albeit with one Minor defect concerning an offside rear registration plate lamp and two advisories that warrant close attention. The advisories relate to an offside rear service brake binding slightly and an oil leak under the vehicle, both of which were carried forward from the previous day's failed test on 3 October 2024. That failure was driven entirely by lighting defects, including both registration plate lamps, a rear fog lamp, and the same persistent binding and oil leak advisories. The fact that the vehicle passed on the immediate retest demonstrates that the underlying lighting issue was likely a simple bulb or connection fault rather than a systemic electrical failure, and the brake binding and oil leak remain areas requiring monitoring. The overall maintenance trend across the recorded history appears broadly stable but with a gradually accumulating list of advisories, particularly around brake disc condition, rear coil spring corrosion, and a nearside front lower suspension arm bush which was first flagged in 2022. The repeated registration plate lamp issues across multiple tests suggest a chronic minor electrical concern, though not one that currently threatens roadworthiness. With 114,445 miles accumulated over approximately sixteen years, this Citroen C4 has covered around 7,150 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and consistent with regular commuter or family use. There are no anomalous gaps or unusually rapid mileage accumulation evident from the recorded test dates, indicating steady utilisation rather than prolonged standing or excessive high-mileage wear. At this odometer reading, the mechanical focus should be on components subject to cumulative wear, including the clutch, dual-mass flywheel, timing belt service interval compliance, suspension consumables, and exhaust system integrity, particularly given the persistent oil leak advisory which could indicate ageing gaskets or seal degradation around the engine or gearbox. The most significant recurring advisories concern the braking system, with pitted or scored front and rear brake discs flagged in 2021, 2022, and 2023, alongside the offside rear binding issue noted in 2024. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any brake-related noise such as grinding or squealing, and feel for brake shudder or vibration through the pedal or steering wheel under firm deceleration, which would indicate the discs have worn beyond their skimable limit and require replacement. The binding rear brake should be evaluated by checking whether the vehicle pulls to one side under light braking or whether the offside rear wheel runs hotter than the nearside after a short drive, both of which suggest a seized caliper slide pin or piston. Given the oil leak advisory has now persisted across two consecutive tests, a thorough underbody inspection with the vehicle on a ramp is advisable to identify whether the leak originates from the engine sump, valve cover gasket, oil filter housing, or gearbox, as prolonged leakage can lead to low oil pressure damage and environmental contamination. The suspension-related advisories are equally important to investigate, particularly the nearside front lower suspension arm rear bush flagged in 2022 and the corroded rear coil springs noted in 2023. Coil spring corrosion on a sixteen-year-old vehicle is a known structural concern, and on test drive the buyer should listen for any clonking or knocking noises over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns which would suggest worn bushes or weakened springs. The nearside front tyre edge wear advisory from 2021 should prompt a careful inspection of all four tyres for age-related sidewall perishing or cracking, as tyres older than six years can deteriorate regardless of tread depth. Additionally, given the vehicle's age and mileage, the buyer should verify the timing belt and water pump replacement history, confirm the 12V battery is within a healthy state of charge, check that brake fluid and coolant have been refreshed at calendar-appropriate intervals, and examine the exhaust system for corrosion at the mounting points and joints, all of which represent time-sensitive maintenance items on a vehicle of this vintage.