2010 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · LP10 CWV

The most recent DVSA examination on 8 December 2022 resulted in a PASS, accompanied by a single advisory noting that the offside front tyre was worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge. This represents a positive outcome on the day, but when reviewing the broader history, the overall maintenance trend is mixed and suggests a vehicle requiring ongoing attention rather than one in a stable or improving condition. The 2020 test stands out as the most concerning, recording a failure for an excessively worn offside front suspension arm pin or bush, alongside an advisory for an oil leak and a minor defect for a deteriorated offside front drive shaft CV boot with grease leakage. Multiple advisories for inner and outer tie rod and drag link play, anti-roll bar linkage play, and repeated tyre wear issues have appeared throughout the history, indicating a pattern of gradual wear in the front suspension and steering geometry rather than isolated incidents. At 197,670 recorded miles over approximately sixteen years, this C4 is averaging around 12,354 miles per year, which is notably high for its age and indicates sustained, regular use rather than periods of standing. The MOT intervals suggest largely continuous annual mileage accumulation with no significant gaps, and indeed the earlier tests show mileage progression consistent with active motoring. While high mileage generally implies wear on consumables such as clutches, brake discs, dual mass flywheels, and timing chains, the CV joint and suspension component failures already recorded are entirely consistent with a vehicle that has covered this distance. The recurring advisories for tyres being worn on their edges rather than evenly across the tread further support the likelihood of alignment or suspension geometry wear that should not be ignored. Given the documented recurrence of suspension, steering, and tyre wear advisories, a prospective buyer should carry out a focused mechanical inspection before purchase. The front suspension should be raised and the offside front lower arm bush, anti-roll bar drop links, and both inner rack arm ball joints examined for play, as these have all been flagged previously and represent common failure points on high-mileage Citroens of this era. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over bumps, particularly at low speed, and feel for imprecise steering, wandering, or vibration through the wheel, any of which would indicate worn bushes, droplinks, or tie rod ends that have progressed beyond their advisory state. Tyres should be inspected closely for uneven inner or outer edge wear, cracking on the sidewalls from age, and correct pressures, as the pattern of edge wear suggests the tracking may need adjustment following any suspension component renewal. Beyond the advisories, the oil leak noted in 2020 and the deteriorated CV boot are areas that warrant physical verification. Inspect the engine and sump area for fresh oil residue, paying particular attention to the rocker cover gasket and sump plug, and check the offside front CV joint boot for splits, perished rubber, or evidence of fresh grease contamination on the surrounding suspension or wheel arch. Brake discs should be examined for lipping, corrosion ridges, and binding calipers, particularly given the high mileage, and the handbrake travel confirmed as firm. With a 2010 vehicle, the age of the 12V battery, coolant, brake fluid, and timing belt or chain service history should all be verified, as calendar-based degradation affects these items regardless of mileage. Undertrays should ideally be removed for a full inspection, as their presence has repeatedly obscured the examiner's view and may be hiding further corrosion or oil leaks from plain sight.