2011 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · LS11 TXW

The 2011 Citroen C1 passed its most recent MOT on 21 November 2025 at 59,189 miles, but the pass was not clean. The tester flagged a corroded nearside brake pipe front to rear at the rear, contaminated with grease or other material. This is a recurring defect. The same corroded nearside brake pipe advisory appeared at the November 2024 test at 57,262 miles and again at the failed test on the same day. The brake pipe corrosion has persisted across three consecutive annual tests spanning over two years, indicating a worsening trend in brake system integrity rather than a one-off issue. A clean pass in November 2023 at 54,994 miles shows the vehicle was previously maintained to a reasonable standard, but the re-emergence and persistence of the brake pipe defect since late 2024 suggests corrosion has taken hold and is not being actively managed. The mileage pattern is notably low for a 15-year-old city car. At 59,189 miles, the vehicle has covered roughly 3,946 miles per year. The annual test records show 2,268 miles added between November 2023 and November 2024, then only 1,927 miles in the following twelve months through November 2025. This is consistent with light urban use and long periods of standing. Low mileage can reduce wear on drivetrain and suspension components, but it also means the vehicle may not be driven frequently enough to keep seals lubricated or brake systems free from moisture ingress, which can accelerate corrosion in exactly the areas now flagged. Buyers should prioritise a thorough inspection of the brake pipework, particularly the nearside rear run. Corrosion on a brake pipe covered in grease or foreign material raises the possibility of external attack from road salt or internal deterioration from moisture-laden fluid. A pressure test of the hydraulic system is advisable, along with a visual check of the offside rear pipe for similar contamination. The rear exhaust mounting was flagged as defective in both November 2024 tests, so the buyer should inspect the exhaust hangers and rubber mounts for perishing or separation. The November 2023 failure exposed structural deterioration in both rear tyres, with ply exposure and cracking, suggesting the vehicle may have been left stationary with flat-spotted or aged rubber. A full tyre inspection including sidewalls and date codes is essential. Beyond the flagged items, the recurring nature of the brake pipe advisory points to a broader question about underbody corrosion. The buyer should examine the sills, subframe mounting points, and floor pan for rust, particularly if the vehicle has spent time standing on damp ground. The headlamp and wiper defects from the November 2024 failure were rectified before the pass on the same day, so those appear to be consumable or electrical issues rather than systemic faults. Overall, the vehicle presents as a lightly used city car with a persistent and worsening brake pipe corrosion issue that demands immediate attention before it compromises braking performance.