2009 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · LR04 TER

The most recent MOT, dated 17 October 2022, was a pass but it carried three advisories – a leaking air‑intake, a heater that will not switch off and a mildly worn off‑side front brake disc. Over the past five years the car has alternated between passes and failures, with major failures recorded in 2019 (headlamp and registration‑plate lamp), 2020 (split CV boot) and again in 2022 (headlamp aim and a rear tyre below legal depth). Although the latest result is a pass, the pattern shows a vehicle that has required intermittent corrective work and still harbours several lingering wear items, indicating a maintenance record that is neither consistently improving nor deteriorating but rather fluctuating with occasional lapses. At 108,752 mi the Citroën C4 averages roughly 6,400 mi per annum, well below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 mi per year for a vehicle of its age. The relatively low mileage suggests periods of light use or extended storage, which can be as much a concern as high mileage because age‑related degradation – rubber hardening, seal drying and corrosion – progresses regardless of distance travelled. Consequently, while the engine and drivetrain may have been spared excessive wear, components such as tyres, suspension bushes, rubber boots and the battery are likely to be approaching the end of their calendar life. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the air‑intake system; look for cracked hoses or loose clamps that could admit unfiltered air and cause rough running. Test the heating and ventilation controls to confirm the heater actually switches off – a stuck heater valve can lead to coolant overheating and a persistent cabin temperature rise. Examine the front brake discs for scoring or uneven wear and feel for any pulsation or pull when applying the brakes, as the off‑side disc was flagged as pitted and the brakes were previously reported as imbalanced. The CV joint on the off‑side front axle should be checked for a split boot or grease leakage, and any whine or vibration under acceleration would indicate a developing joint failure. Inspect both front and rear suspension arm bushes for play or cracking; a worn pin or bush often produces a clunk when the wheels are turned or when going over bumps. Verify that all exterior lights – especially the near‑side headlamp and the registration‑plate lamp – illuminate correctly, as these were previously out of adjustment or non‑functional. Finally, given the car’s age, scrutinise the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening, even if the tread depth appears acceptable, and measure the tread to ensure it remains above the 1.6 mm legal limit. The battery, now over 17 years old, should be load‑tested; a weak cell will manifest as sluggish cranking or dimming lights. Check for any signs of corrosion on the chassis, particularly around the under‑tray and suspension mounting points, and confirm that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals – fluids degrade with time and can cause premature wear. A full service history, recent oil change receipts and evidence of the CV boot and brake disc replacements would considerably strengthen the car’s case for roadworthiness and future reliability.