2016 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · LG66 EFF

The most recent DVSA examination on 20 January 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, and this is supported by clean passes at the two prior tests in December 2024 and July 2024. The only blemish across the documented history is a single Major failure on 3 July 2024 concerning the windscreen wiper not clearing the screen effectively, which was rectified on the same date as evidenced by the immediately following pass. Taken in the round, the maintenance trend appears stable, with no recurring component failures, no structural corrosion advisories, and no flagged brake, tyre, suspension, or exhaust defects. For a ten-year-old city car this is a reassuring pattern, particularly given the absence of any advisory notes which often hint at emerging wear items. With recorded mileage of 46,715 miles spread across roughly a decade of life, this C1 has covered only about 4,672 miles per year on average, which is well below the typical annual mileage for a vehicle of this class and suggests either very light genuine use or extended periods of standing between journeys. Low annual mileage such as this reduces wear on major drivetrain and suspension components but conversely raises the likelihood of deterioration through disuse. Long standing periods can lead to moisture accumulation in the brake hydraulic system, surface corrosion on the brake discs, and potential seizing or binding of the caliper guide pins and slide mechanisms. Equally, ageing rubber components and lubricants can degrade on a calendar basis regardless of distance covered. From a physical inspection standpoint, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the condition of the tyres. Despite their likely residual tread depth given the modest mileage, ten-year-old tyres will almost certainly be approaching or past the safe service life due to sidewall perishing and rubber hardening, which reduces grip especially in wet conditions. Check all four tyres carefully for cracking on the sidewalls and between the tread blocks, and verify the production date stamp on the sidewall. The braking system should be examined closely for any judder or pulling when the vehicle is test driven, as lightly used discs can develop uneven corrosion patches that will need machining or replacement. When applying the handbrake, listen for a distinct click and feel for solid engagement, as cables and mechanisms can seize from infrequent use. Other age-related items warrant close scrutiny. The 12V battery is well beyond its typical three to five year service life and may be holding charge superficially while failing under load, so it should be load tested before purchase. All fluid conditions should be verified, including engine oil appearance, coolant strength and age, and brake fluid, which is hygroscopic and should be renewed every two years regardless of mileage. Inspect under the vehicle and around the rear axle and underbonnet for any signs of coolant or oil seeping from hoses and seals that have hardened with age. On the road, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed bumps, which on a C1 typically point to worn suspension bushes or top mounts, and check that the clutch bites smoothly and high in its travel, as a slipping or juddering clutch would be disproportionately expensive on a car of this value. Finally, confirm a complete service book history with stamps at appropriate intervals to evidence that time-based servicing such as cambelt replacement, if applicable to this engine variant, and regular oil changes have been carried out.