2012 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · LS12 LMM

The most recent MOT test on 2026-04-18 resulted in a pass, though it was accompanied by several advisories that indicate ongoing wear issues requiring attention. The vehicle’s maintenance history shows a pattern of recurring tyre-related advisories, particularly around tyre wear patterns and tread depth, with the most severe failures occurring in 2024 and 2025, where multiple tyres failed due to insufficient tread depth and uneven wear. Despite these past failures, the vehicle has passed subsequent tests, suggesting either some remedial work or a stabilisation of the wear issues, though the advisories persist, indicating that the wear is not yet critical but requires monitoring. The absence of any failures in the last two clean MOTs suggests a relative improvement in tyre management or alignment, but the low-mileage context and repeated advisories warrant careful scrutiny during inspection. The recorded mileage of 75,838 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 14 years represents a remarkably low annual mileage of around 5,417 miles, which is unusually low for its age. Such low usage could imply periods of prolonged inactivity, potentially leading to issues such as standing corrosion, particularly in the brake systems, suspension components, and battery. However, the consistent advisories on tyre wear—especially the edge wear and tread depth issues—suggest that the vehicle may have been driven more heavily in the past, possibly accelerating wear beyond typical low-mileage expectations. This discrepancy raises concerns about whether the vehicle has been subjected to regular, aggressive use or if the mileage data reflects a more passive ownership pattern. Either way, the wear patterns indicate that consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension components have been subjected to stress, necessitating a thorough inspection to assess the extent of damage and plan for necessary maintenance. For the prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect during a physical examination are the tyres, brakes, and suspension, as these have been flagged in the MOT history. The tyre wear advisories, particularly the edge wear and tread depth issues, suggest that the vehicle may have experienced misalignment, uneven load distribution, or excessive cornering forces. On a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the tyres, such as excessive squealing or vibration, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns that could indicate alignment or suspension problems. Inspect the tread depth thoroughly, ensuring no areas are below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, and verify that the tyres are not showing signs of dry rot or sidewall cracking, which can compromise safety. Additionally, examine the brake system for signs of corrosion on the discs, particularly on the near-side rear where the previous failures were noted, and check for binding calipers or uneven brake pad wear, which could indicate standing corrosion or poor lubrication. Beyond the immediate concerns, the buyer should also address the potential standing corrosion risks given the vehicle’s low annual mileage. Pay particular attention to the brake components, suspension linkages, and underbody areas, as prolonged inactivity can lead to rust formation, especially in the wheel arches, exhaust system, and suspension bushings. Test the brakes for smooth operation, ensuring no grinding or shuddering during deceleration, which could signal warped discs or failing brake pads. Inspect the suspension for any signs of excessive play or wear in the anti-roll bar linkages, as the slight play noted in the latest MOT advisory could worsen with further use. Finally, since the vehicle has not undergone a full service in recent years, consider checking the fluid levels—particularly the brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid—for signs of degradation, as fluids can break down over time even without high mileage. Verify the service book for any scheduled maintenance, such as a 12-month or 15,000-mile fluid change, and ensure that the vehicle’s calendar-based servicing has been adhered to, as this is critical for long-term reliability.