2021 Citroen C1 Shine 1.0L Petrol · MF71 FFJ

Recorded across two MOT tests, this 2021 Citroen C1 presents an intermittent rather than continuous record of roadworthiness, with the most recent assessment on 19 September 2025 returning a clean pass after a failure just two days earlier. The earlier test on 17 September 2025 flagged the offside front lower suspension arm with an excessively worn rear wishbone bush classified as a Major defect, a notable finding given the very low mileage recorded. Prior to that, the September 2024 test followed the same pattern, passing cleanly on 2 September after a failure on the same day for a front windscreen wiper single arm not clearing the screen effectively. This back-to-back fail-then-pass structure is consistent with same-day rectification repairs, but it does mean the car has accumulated two Major defects across consecutive tests, both repaired at the point of retest rather than left to deteriorate. The absence of any advisories on either pass is a positive structural indicator, as there are no recorded warnings about corrosion, brake component wear, exhaust condition, or tyre deterioration. With only 7,422 miles recorded over roughly five years, the annual accumulation is approximately 1,484 miles, which is exceptionally low even for a city-focused vehicle of this class. This rate of use raises mechanical considerations distinct from high-mileage wear: components such as brake discs and pads, which rely on regular application to self-clean and prevent surface corrosion, may have developed light rust pitting on the friction surfaces even if the pad material remains thick. The front suspension bushes that prompted the 2025 Major defect are particularly relevant in this context, as rubber components can harden, crack, or degrade through age and limited movement cycles rather than through high-mileage wear, and the recorded wishbone rear bush failure on a 7,000-mile car illustrates precisely this age-related deterioration pathway. The absence of longer testing gaps suggests the vehicle has not been formally off the road for extended periods, but the low annual mileage still warrants attention to seals, hoses, and undertrays where prolonged standing can allow oil seepage or moisture retention. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas to inspect on a physical examination and test drive are the suspension linkages and steering geometry. On a road test, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or when turning at low speed, as a worn wishbone bush that has only just been replaced may indicate either a new component fitted to the test or a deeper wear pattern in adjacent bushes and anti-roll bar drop links that were not flagged. Check that the steering returns cleanly to centre without sticking and that there is no vibration through the wheel on rough surfaces, as perished suspension rubber can transmit harshness. Visually inspect the offside front wheel arch liner and the rear bush area for any residual oil staining or fresh grease, which could suggest either a recent repair or an adjacent component beginning to leak. Pay close attention to the condition of the tyres, as low-mileage cars often retain ageing tyres with reduced grip despite apparently sound tread depth, and look for any flat spots or sidewall cracking from extended standing. The windscreen wiper system that failed in 2024 is worth a brief functional check during any viewing. Operate the wipers across the full sweep on both intermittent and continuous settings, ensuring the single arm maintains consistent contact across the entire swept area without smearing, skipping, or leaving unwiped arcs at the edges of the glass. Verify that the wiper linkage beneath the scuttle panel is secure, as a worn mechanism that was repaired or replaced could indicate earlier linkage failure. Finally, because the MOT record only confirms roadworthiness at the point of test and does not cover service items, engine condition, or clutch wear, arrange an independent mechanical inspection that includes a borescope examination of the engine cylinders if the car has had extended periods of low use, and request evidence of any recent suspension and wiper repairs to confirm the failed components were properly replaced with quality parts rather than short-term fixes.