2013 Citroen DS5 2.0L Electric diesel · LP62 OPC

The most recent MOT test for the 2013 Citroën DS5 was conducted on 2025-09-26 and resulted in a pass, though it did not entirely resolve the vehicle’s recurring issues. The overall maintenance trend over the past few years appears to be stable rather than improving, given that several persistent advisories and past failures remain unresolved. The front anti-roll bar ball joint play, tyre wear close to legal limits, and brake disc pitting are recurring concerns, indicating either ongoing wear or potential underlying mechanical issues that have not been fully addressed. While the 2025 test cleared some minor electrical faults, the persistent drive shaft boot failure from the 2024 test remains a critical unresolved major defect, suggesting either a lack of timely servicing or a deeper structural problem with the CV joint assembly. The vehicle’s history shows a pattern of repeated failures in high-wear areas, particularly in suspension components and drivetrain seals, which could signal either poor maintenance practices or inherent wear beyond the vehicle’s expected lifespan for its age. The recorded mileage of 115,610 miles for a 13-year-old DS5 reflects a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 8,893 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage patterns for this model in its age group. This level of mileage is neither exceptionally high nor unusually low for a vehicle of this age, but it does imply sustained operational use rather than prolonged periods of inactivity. However, the absence of significant mileage gaps between tests suggests the vehicle has been driven regularly, which could accelerate wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, and suspension components. The consistent wear on tyres—particularly the edge wear and proximity to legal limits—points to either aggressive driving habits, poor alignment, or excessive camber angles, all of which can lead to premature tyre degradation. Additionally, the repeated failures of the front CV joint boot indicate that the drive shaft may be experiencing ingress of contaminants, which could compromise its long-term integrity if not addressed promptly. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect are the front anti-roll bar ball joints and the drive shaft CV joint assembly, as these have been flagged repeatedly. The slight play in the ball joints, while not yet severe, should be checked for increasing movement, as this can lead to uneven tyre wear, suspension binding, or even suspension failure if ignored. On a test drive, listen for clunks or rattles from the front suspension when cornering or driving over bumps, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns that may indicate misalignment or camber issues. The CV joint boot failure is a major concern, as a split boot allows dirt and moisture to enter, causing accelerated wear on the joint’s seals and potentially leading to a catastrophic failure of the drive shaft. Inspect the boot for cracks or leaks, and listen for a grinding or whining noise when accelerating, which could signal internal joint damage. If the boot is compromised, the CV joint should be replaced immediately to prevent further damage to the drivetrain. Beyond the mechanical issues, the tyre wear advisories warrant immediate attention. The tyres are worn close to the legal limit, which means they are approaching the point where tread depth could become unsafe, increasing the risk of hydroplaning or reduced grip in wet conditions. Replace the tyres as soon as possible, ideally before the tread depth reaches the 1.6mm legal minimum, to ensure compliance with roadworthiness standards and to enhance safety. Additionally, given the vehicle’s age and the potential for standing corrosion, particularly on the near-side rear brake disc, which showed pitting but not serious weakening, inspect the brake system for signs of corrosion or binding. Standing for prolonged periods can cause brake discs to corrode or seize, leading to reduced braking performance or even failure. Check for any rust on the discs, warping, or uneven wear, and ensure the calipers are not binding when the brakes are applied. Finally, verify that the front windscreen washer system is functional, as the 2025 MOT failure highlights a recurring issue that must be resolved to meet legal requirements. For the electrical faults, such as the non-working dipped beam headlamp and registration plate lamp, address these immediately to avoid further MOT failures and ensure compliance with lighting regulations. Lastly, consider a thorough inspection of the 12V battery, given the vehicle’s age, to confirm it is holding a charge and not suffering from internal corrosion or degradation, which can lead to starting issues or electrical system failures.