2011 Citroen DS3 1.6L Petrol · LM11 LLO

The most recent MOT on 2 June 2026 was a clean pass, indicating that the major faults recorded on the 28 May 2026 test – the nearside front upper anti‑roll bar dust‑cover, the off‑side rear tyre cut and the nearside front position lamp – have been remedied to the examiner’s satisfaction. Over the past four years the vehicle has shown a mixed pattern of occasional lighting failures, tyre wear advisories and a persistent oil‑leak advisory, but the trend in the last two years has moved from repeated failures to consecutive passes, suggesting that the current owner is addressing the most critical defects in a timely manner. At 78 325 mi the car averages just over 5 200 mi per annum, which is considerably below the typical UK usage of around 8‑10 000 mi per year for a vehicle of this age. The low annual mileage points to periods of light use or prolonged storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage in terms of component ageing. While the mileage itself is modest, age‑related wear such as rubber perishing, corrosion of suspension bushings and brake disc surface rust can be accelerated when a car sits for long stretches, and the recorded tyre damage and brake disc advisory from 2022 hint that some of these age‑related issues may already be present. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the nearside front upper anti‑roll bar assembly; verify that the dust‑cover now seals correctly and inspect the ball‑joint for any play or knocking noises when the steering is turned at low speed, which would indicate wear of the joint or bushings. The rear tyre that was recorded with a cut deep enough to reach the ply must be examined for any remaining damage, bulges or exposed cords, and a tyre specialist should be consulted to confirm that the tyre has been replaced or is still structurally sound. All exterior lighting – especially the nearside front position lamp and the headlamp aim – should be tested for correct operation and alignment, as recurring failures in these areas can mask deeper electrical faults. The oil‑leak advisory that has persisted since 2022 warrants a visual inspection of the engine bay for any fresh oil stains, drips onto the exhaust, or signs of oil on the underside of the car, and the source (valve cover gasket, oil filter housing, or crankcase vent) should be identified and repaired to prevent future excessive loss. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the suspension components, including the anti‑roll bar links, coil springs and rubber bushings, is advisable; any creaking or clunking on uneven road surfaces may reveal deterioration not captured by the MOT. Tyre sidewalls should be checked for cracking, hardening or perishing, especially on the front tyres that have previously shown edge wear. The brake discs, previously noted as pitted, should be measured for thickness and inspected for surface rust that could cause shudder under braking. A load‑test of the 12 V battery and a check of coolant, brake and gearbox fluid condition – looking for discoloration or moisture – are prudent, as time‑based fluid degradation is common in low‑usage cars. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes, timing belt or chain service (if applicable), and that any outstanding recalls have been addressed before committing to purchase.