2018 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · LG68 XBA

The most recent MOT on 28 February 2026 was a pass, but it carried three advisories – front brake discs showing wear and scoring, front brake pads approaching the minimum thickness and the off‑side rear tyre close to the legal limit. A similar front‑disc advisory appeared in the 6 March 2025 test, and tyre wear advisories have been recurring each year since 2023. The vehicle also suffered a failure in January 2025 for an oil leak, a persistent engine MIL fault and out‑of‑specification lambda and carbon‑monoxide readings, all of which were cleared by the subsequent 2025‑03 and 2026‑02 passes. Overall the trend is mixed: the major emissions and oil‑leak failures have been resolved, yet the brake system and tyre condition are deteriorating and will require attention soon. At 99 211 miles the 2018 Citroën C3 has logged roughly 12 400 miles per year, a usage rate well above the typical 8‑10 000 miles expected for a small hatchback of this age. The mileage suggests the vehicle has been driven regularly rather than stored for long periods, meaning wear on consumables such as brakes, tyres, suspension bushings and drivetrain components will be proportionally higher than on a low‑mileage example. No obvious gaps in the recorded mileage appear, so the wear is likely cumulative rather than the result of a recent high‑speed stint. A prospective buyer should give the brake system the highest priority. Examine the front discs for scoring, cracking or excessive thinning, and measure the pad thickness; any pulsation or squeal under braking, especially on the front left, would indicate that replacement is imminent. The recurring tyre advisories mean all four tyres must be inspected for tread depth, sidewall cracking and uneven wear patterns that could point to mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes. The minor oil leak noted in 2025 should be located – look for fresh oil spots under the engine bay and verify the oil level and condition; a persistent leak could lead to low oil pressure or engine wear if not corrected. The engine MIL fault and the previous lambda/CO failures suggest the oxygen sensor or catalytic converter may have been compromised; a diagnostic scan should confirm that the fault code has been cleared and that the sensor is operating within spec, and the buyer should listen for a rough idle, loss of power or a noticeable increase in fuel consumption. Beyond the immediate defects, the buyer should perform a thorough age‑related inspection. Check the condition of the suspension bushes and coil springs for any looseness or creaking when the car is driven over bumps, and verify that the steering rack and tie‑rod ends are free of play. The 12‑volt battery, now eight years old, should be tested for cranking amps and checked for any signs of sulphation or leaking. Because the car has been driven regularly, fluids should be examined for colour and level – brake fluid, coolant and power‑steering fluid all benefit from a calendar‑based flush around the eight‑year mark. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes, timing‑belt (or chain) service stamps and any required emissions‑related work, and look for any signs of chassis corrosion, especially around wheel arches and under the chassis, which can develop even on vehicles that have not been idle for long periods. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and the likely cost of imminent maintenance.