2009 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · MK59 ORL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but exhibits a concerning trend of deferred maintenance regarding suspension and exhaust components. While it passed the test in October 2025 at 146,162 miles, the immediate failure just five days prior indicates that the owner only addressed essential electrical faults to secure the certificate. The overall mechanical condition appears stable in a negative sense, as multiple suspension issues and exhaust leaks have persisted across three consecutive years without being fully remediated or replaced through a proactive maintenance strategy. At 146,162 miles over 17 years, the C1 averages approximately 8,600 miles per year, which is entirely typical for a small city car of this age. The record shows consistent usage, with roughly 11,000 miles covered between the October 2023 and 2024 tests, and another 10,800 miles in the year following. This steady rate of mileage accumulation has not protected the vehicle from the typical degradation of rubber components and metalwork, which is evident from the recurring failures in the record. A buyer must conduct a close physical inspection of the front suspension, as the nearside front ball joint dust cover has been flagged as severely deteriorated since 2023. This suggests a failure to replace the entire assembly, which could lead to joint failure. The offside rear coil spring was noted for corrosion in the 2025 test and should be checked for structural thinning that could lead to snapping. Additionally, the rear exhaust has transitioned from a major leak in 2023 to a minor leak in 2025, indicating the exhaust system is nearing its end life. The braking system requires close attention as the 2023 test noted imbalanced brakes that only just met legal requirements. The 2025 test also identified both the nearside front and offside rear wheels as slightly distorted, which may cause vibration at road speeds or put undue stress on the wheel bearings. Given the history of perished and aged tyres in 2023, the buyer should also verify the current sidewalls for dry-rot cracking, regardless of the remaining tread depth.