2018 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · MF18 CWM

The most recent DVSA examination on 27 May 2025 resulted in a pass, indicating that at the time of test the vehicle met the minimum statutory roadworthiness requirements. It is worth noting, however, that a failure was recorded on the exact same date earlier in the day, which is a common occurrence when a vehicle is presented for retest following repairs carried out at the same visit. Both the 2024 and 2023 tests follow the same pattern of a fail followed immediately by a pass, with no advisory or defect entries recorded against any of the examinations. This pattern is consistent with a vehicle that has had minor items rectified on the day of test rather than one suffering from a deteriorating maintenance trend, and the complete absence of recorded advisories suggests no worn components were identified as being close to failure thresholds at the most recent assessment. The recorded mileage of 51,327 miles over approximately eight years equates to an annual average of around 6,400 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age in the UK and suggests a balanced mix of urban and longer journey use. There is no evidence of unusually heavy motorway mileage that would accelerate wear on clutch, brakes and drivetrain components, nor of extremely low usage that might promote corrosion from standing. The MOT history covers only the period from 2023 onwards, and the absence of earlier test entries is normal for a vehicle first registered in 2018, which would not require an MOT until its fourth anniversary. The relatively even spacing of tests and consistent mileage progression indicates the vehicle has remained in regular use throughout its life rather than being laid up for extended periods. Given the clean MOT record and absence of advisories, there is no specific defect history to investigate further, but a prospective buyer should still carry out age and mileage appropriate physical inspections. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking caused by UV exposure and age rather than purely by tread depth, as rubber compounds degrade over time regardless of mileage. The brake discs should be inspected for surface corrosion and the calipers checked for seizing or binding, particularly if the car has been stood for any length of time, and a test drive should include several firm stops to confirm the brakes pull evenly without judder. The 12V battery is now eight years old and likely approaching the end of its service life, so its resting voltage and ability to hold charge should be tested before purchase. A road test should also focus on the suspension, listening for any knocking or clonking from worn bushes, top mounts, or anti-roll bar links over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as these components typically begin to deteriorate beyond the six year mark. The 1.2-litre PureTech engine fitted to this generation of C3 is known for timing belt tensioner wear and occasional coolant loss, so the engine bay should be inspected for any signs of leaks, the coolant level and condition checked, and the engine started from cold to ensure it runs smoothly without timing chain rattle on startup. Brake fluid, coolant and gearbox oil are all time-sensitive and should have been replaced at the manufacturer specified intervals regardless of mileage, so the service book or digital service record should be examined to confirm these have been attended to. Finally, the bodywork, underside and suspension components should be raised on a ramp where possible to check for corrosion, paying particular attention to the rear axle, subframe mounting points, and any under-seal that may be hiding structural issues, as the C3 is not immune to age related surface corrosion in higher risk areas.