2022 Citroen E-C4 Shine + Electric · LL60 LEW

The defining mechanical characteristic of this 2022 Citroën e-C4 Shine + is a developing rear brake issue that has surfaced as the only significant wear-related item on an otherwise sparse MOT record. The vehicle passed its most recent test on 5 March 2026, but only after a prior failure recorded the same day for an offside front wiper not clearing the windscreen effectively, a minor but legitimate roadworthiness concern that has now been rectified. More tellingly, that same inspection logged advisories on both rear brake discs for being worn, pitted or scored, alongside advisories for both rear service brakes binding but not excessively. This combination of binding calipers and pitted rear discs is a recognised pattern on e-C4s, where the regenerative braking system reduces friction-brake use at the rear, allowing surface corrosion to develop on the discs and contributing to caliper slide or piston hesitation. Given that the 2025 test recorded no advisories whatsoever, the emergence of these four rear brake items within a single year suggests accelerated rear brake deterioration rather than gradual wear. With approximately 26,892 miles recorded over four years, the e-C4 has accumulated at a rate of around 6,723 miles annually, which sits squarely within the expected envelope for a privately-owned family EV of this age. There are no testing gaps of concern, no sudden mileage jumps between recorded tests, and no multi-year lay-up periods that would typically raise questions about dormant component degradation such as brake seizure, tyre flat-spotting, or 12V auxiliary battery discharge. The relatively modest annual mileage combined with the EV powertrain means the high-voltage battery pack, electric drive unit, and associated thermal management components have experienced only light to moderate cycling duty, which is mechanically favourable. However, lighter usage does mean the friction braking system is relied upon less, particularly the rear axle, which dovetails directly with the rear brake advisories flagged in March 2026. A prospective buyer should approach the test drive with the rear braking system as the primary focus. Begin with a cold start and a low-speed pull-away, listening for any rubbing, scraping, or grinding from the rear wheels that would suggest a caliper that is binding more aggressively than the MOT advisory implied. On the road, perform several moderate to firm stops from around 30 mph and pay close attention to whether the vehicle pulls to one side, feels uneven underfoot, or exhibits a pulsing pedal, all of which would indicate rear disc warping beyond the pitted condition already recorded. At walking pace, with the windows down, listen for any intermittent or continuous squeal from the rear hubs, which can confirm sticking slider pins or seized piston dust seals. Also inspect the rear discs visually through the wheels for a pronounced lip on the outer edge and any visible blueing or heat-shock marks on the disc surface, as pitted discs on an EV frequently progress to requiring replacement sooner than the advisory threshold suggests. Beyond the rear brakes, the front wiper mechanism that caused the earlier failure should be verified as fully resolved by operating both the driver and passenger side wipers through all speed settings and on intermittent mode, confirming full sweep coverage to the A-pillar edges and no streaking or skipping across the glass. Given the vehicle's age and the e-C4's known sensitivity to rear suspension geometry under load, it is also worth pressing firmly down on each rear corner with the vehicle stationary and releasing, checking that the body settles promptly without a secondary bounce that could indicate worn shock absorbers or weakened coil springs. Finally, because the rear brake binding was logged on both sides, request evidence of any recent caliper cleaning, slider pin lubrication, or brake fluid renewal; a fresh fluid change would be reassuring and would simultaneously address any moisture ingress accumulated during the vehicle's lighter-than-average service life.