2013 Citroen DS3 1.6L Diesel · LV07 ACE

The most recent DVSA examination on 23 July 2026 resulted in a PASS, although two advisories remain on record, namely an oil leak deemed not excessive and an offside rear tyre noted as worn close to the legal limit and on its edge. Reviewing the broader pattern, this 2013 DS3 has recorded MOTs annually without long gaps, and the failures are clustered around the 2025 and 2026 tests. The 2025 failure centred on a perished anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover, while the 2026 failure was more serious, comprising a fractured nearside rear coil spring, a nearside front track rod end with excessive play, and an inoperative nearside front position lamp. All three majors were rectified prior to the subsequent pass two days later, but the recurrence of advisories, particularly the persistent oil leak noted across four consecutive tests, suggests a gradual decline in general condition rather than a stable or improving trend, and warrants careful physical inspection before purchase. With a recorded mileage of 168,554 over approximately thirteen years, this equates to an annual average of nearly 13,000 miles, which is notably high for a vehicle of this age and well above the typical 7,000 to 9,000 miles per year expected for a supermini. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history that would imply extended periods of standing, meaning the wear profile is one of consistent, sustained use. High mileage examples of the DS3, particularly those powered by the petrol and diesel engines offered in this generation, are prone to accelerated wear of suspension components, clutch and gearbox refinements, turbocharger degradation on diesel variants, and increased oil consumption from internal engine wear. The persistent oil leak advisory is therefore entirely consistent with the mileage and should be expected to worsen if left unaddressed. Given the recurring advisories, a prospective buyer should carry out a focused mechanical inspection. The oil leak, while not yet excessive, has been flagged on four consecutive MOTs and is most likely originating from the cam cover gasket, sump seal, or valve cover on the PSA engines fitted to this model. On a test drive, listen for any change in engine note that might suggest low oil level, and check for fresh drips on the driveway or undertray, particularly after the vehicle has been left to sit overnight. The fractured nearside rear coil spring and the track rod end with excessive play are both serious safety items that should be physically inspected, asking for evidence of recent replacement and, ideally, a fresh geometry report confirming the steering alignment is within tolerance. A test drive over uneven surfaces should be conducted with the windows down to listen for any knocking or clonking from the front or rear suspension, which would indicate worn bushes, top mounts, or further coil spring deterioration, all common on high-mileage DS3s. Beyond the recorded advisories, the high annual mileage and thirteen-year age mean that several age-related items deserve close attention even though they are not visible in the MOT record. Brake discs and pads are likely to have been replaced multiple times, but the rear calipers on the DS3 are known to seize, so the handbrake should be tested on an incline and the car observed for any pulling to one side under braking, which could indicate a binding caliper or warped disc. The tyres should be examined for uneven shoulder wear, which would confirm the alignment was disturbed after the track rod replacement, and for any cracking of the sidewalls given the vehicle's age. The 12V battery, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission oil should all be considered due for renewal on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, and the outstanding manufacturer recall noted on the 2025 MOT should be confirmed as completed with a Citroen dealer. Finally, a compression or leak-down test on the engine would be prudent to assess internal wear given the sustained high mileage usage.