2010 Citroen C4 2.0L Diesel · LP59 MUV

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 21 November 2025 resulted in a pass, though the examiner recorded five separate advisories that warrant close attention from any prospective buyer. While the overall trend over the past four years suggests generally consistent maintenance, with passes in 2022, 2023, and 2024, the cluster of advisories at the latest test indicates that several wear-related items are now beginning to surface concurrently. The earlier failure in November 2024 was largely related to a dangerous front tyre with tread depth below the legal minimum and an inoperative registration plate lamp, both of which were clearly rectified prior to the subsequent pass. However, the pattern of brake disc wear, suspension ball joint play, uneven tyre wear, and engine mount degradation in the latest test points to a vehicle whose consumable and chassis components are now entering a phase requiring proactive replacement rather than mere monitoring. With recorded mileage of 105,139 miles over approximately sixteen years, the vehicle has averaged around 6,571 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and is neither indicative of neglect through prolonged standing nor excessive high-mileage use. This average usage rate suggests that wear progression on major mechanical components such as the engine, gearbox, and clutch has been steady rather than accelerated, which is generally favourable for long-term reliability. However, the fact that mileage has continued to accumulate consistently each year means that suspension, braking, and drivetrain components have experienced normal but ongoing stress, and items such as bushes, engine mounts, and ball joints are likely approaching the latter stages of their service life. A physical inspection should therefore focus on whether these wearing parts have been progressively replaced or are now at a point where imminent maintenance is required. The advisories relating to both front brake discs being worn, pitted, and scored are particularly significant because this pattern typically indicates either extended use without sufficient pad changes or caliper issues allowing uneven wear across the disc surface. On a test drive, a buyer should listen for any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm application, and feel for the car pulling to one side which might suggest a binding caliper. Given that the discs are now scored on both sides, replacement of both front discs and pads together is likely to be the most cost-effective solution, as fitting new pads to old discs will quickly bed in the wear pattern and reduce braking efficiency. It is also worth inspecting the rear brakes for similar corrosion, as standing and age-related pitting on the rear discs may not yet have reached advisory level but could require attention in the near future. The advisory regarding slight play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint, combined with the inner edge wear on the offside front tyre, is a strong indicator that the front suspension geometry is beginning to deteriorate, most likely through worn bushes or a failing ball joint affecting camber settings. On a test drive, this would typically present as a clonking or knocking noise from the front end when traversing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, vague or wandering steering, and potentially uneven tyre wear across the front axle. The advisory concerning the engine mount being worn is less immediately urgent but should not be ignored, as a deteriorated mount can transmit excessive vibration through the cabin, particularly at idle, and may accelerate wear on adjacent drivetrain components if left unaddressed. Beyond the recorded advisories, given the vehicle's age, a prospective buyer should also verify the condition of the 12V battery, check all fluid levels and service histories including brake fluid which degrades on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, and examine the exhaust system for corrosion at joints and mounting points, as these are common failure areas on a Citroen C4 of this vintage.