2018 Citroen C3 Aircross 1.2L Petrol · LR68 BNB

A consistent theme across the MOT history of this 2018 Citroen C3 Aircross is progressive wear to the braking system, particularly the front discs, which have been flagged as pitted or scored at four of the five recorded tests from 2022 through 2026. The most recent pass on 30 January 2026 carried forward that familiar front disc advisory but added new ones for the rear brake discs and rear inner brake pads, alongside a child seat fitted to the nearside rear that prevented full inspection of the adult belt. The overall trajectory is one of gradual deterioration rather than any sudden or acute failure, with each annual test continuing to pass but accumulating an increasingly layered advisory profile around the same components. Annual mileage of roughly 6,945 miles is broadly typical for an eight-year-old vehicle, and the recorded readings progress steadily across each test with no unusual gaps or sudden jumps that might suggest prolonged standing or erratic use. This level of use tends to mean moderate wear on consumables rather than heavy-duty fatigue, but it also means shorter journeys are more likely, which can accelerate corrosion on brake discs and underbody components due to infrequent high-temperature operation. The steady accumulation pattern between tests does provide a coherent baseline for evaluating wear, as the brake and tyre advisories have appeared in a manner consistent with gradual rather than accelerated deterioration. For a prospective buyer, the braking system should be the primary area of physical inspection and test drive scrutiny. The recurring front disc pitting advisories suggest the discs are likely nearing or already at minimum thickness, and the newly flagged rear inner brake pads are at a stage where replacement should be anticipated imminently. During a road test, listen for any grinding, squeal, or pulsation through the pedal under moderate braking, and check for any pulling to one side that might indicate a binding caliper. The rear discs should be inspected for lipping and scored surfaces, and a thorough check of pad material across all four corners is worthwhile, as inner pad wear can sometimes progress unevenly. The 2022 advisories noted perishing across all four tyres and the 2024 test recorded tyres starting to perish again, suggesting sidewall cracking may reappear; inspect closely for any hairline cracks in the sidewall rubber and verify that none of the tyres are older than six years from their DOT date stamp if precise age verification is desired. Additional attention should be directed toward the front exhaust mounting, which was flagged as defective at the 2024 test and warrants a physical check for any residual looseness, rattles, or excessive movement when the engine is started cold. The exhaust mounting on the C3 Aircross can allow the front section to drop slightly if the rubber bush has hardened, producing a metallic rattle over speed bumps or rough surfaces, which is worth listening for on a test drive. Beyond the recorded advisories, the C3 Aircross is known for premature wear to suspension components such as anti-roll bar bushes and front wishbone rear bushes, so a thorough check over uneven surfaces for any clonks, knocks, or imprecise steering response is advisable. A lift inspection would also be prudent to verify the condition of brake pipes, subframe mounting points, and underbody corrosion, none of which have yet appeared on the MOT record but would be expected concerns on a vehicle of this age and mileage profile.