2010 Citroen DS3 1.6L Diesel · ML10 GMZ

The MOT history for this 2010 Citroen DS3 documents a progressive deterioration in roadworthiness over its most recent tests, with two outright failures in the last four years and a recurring theme of wear across the steering, drivetrain and braking systems. The most recent test on 13 April 2023 recorded a pass, but only after a failure on the same date for a split offside outer CV joint boot that was no longer keeping dirt out, and a long-standing advisory for an offside rear brake binding slightly. Going back to the 27 January 2022 test, the vehicle failed on four major defects simultaneously: ineffective wipers, both front CV joint boots split, and a nearside front track rod end with excessive play — all issues that would have rendered the vehicle immediately non-roadworthy. The fact that two of the three most recent tests resulted in failure, with steering and drivetrain boots being flagged repeatedly, suggests these components were either repaired to pass standard or left unresolved at the time of subsequent testing, and a buyer should treat them as areas of latent concern rather than resolved history. Mileage has been recorded as 139,162 miles across an approximate 16-year life, equating to roughly 8,700 miles per year, which sits within the expected bracket for a car of this age and broadly typical for a DS3 used as a mix of urban and longer-distance transport. There is, however, a meaningful gap in the recorded test history between May 2019 and January 2020, after which the record resumes, and the cumulative mileage means wear-related items such as bushes, springs, brake components and rubber gaiters will be considerably further along their service life than on a lower-mileage example. For this powertrain and chassis combination at nearly 140,000 miles, the parts flagged in the MOT record — CV boots, steering rack internals, track rod ends, and brake calipers — are exactly the items that tend to require attention, and the recorded failures align with that expectation. On a physical inspection, particular focus is warranted on the steering and suspension assemblies. The 2022 failure for a nearside front track rod end ball joint with excessive play, combined with persistent advisories for play in the steering rack inner joint on the offside front, means the steering system should be evaluated with the vehicle on a hoist if possible. Look for any slack or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, and on a test drive pay close attention to vague steering response, clonks when turning at low speed, or any vibration through the wheel that would indicate deteriorated inner tie rods or rack mounting bushes. Inspect both front driveshaft CV boots for fresh grease deposits, perished or cracked rubber, and security of the retaining clips — a split boot that has been left for any period typically results in a seized or clicking joint, which manifests as a rhythmic clicking when turning sharply at low speed or a vibration under load. The rear brake binding advisories from 2020 and 2023 indicate a persistent issue with the offside rear caliper, which on a car of this mileage and age is often due to a corroded or seized caliper slide pin or piston. On a test drive, listen for any rear brake drag, feel for the vehicle pulling to one side under light braking, and check that the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline without requiring the footbrake to compensate. Finally, examine the general underside and ancillaries referenced across the record. The 2021 advisory for an insecure exhaust heat shield is a minor item but worth verifying has been resolved, as loose heat shields can rattle against the underbody and exhaust system. Inspect the wiper linkage and blades, given the 2022 failure for ineffective wiper operation, and confirm the wipers clear the screen fully across the full sweep. Check the underbody and subframe mounting points for corrosion, particularly given the car's age and the fact that the failures suggest it has been used through several British winters. Confirm the tyre tread depth and evenness of wear across both axles, as uneven front wear can be a secondary symptom of the steering and suspension wear already documented. Taken together, the record shows a vehicle that has been driven hard enough to wear through steering and drivetrain consumables within the test cycle, and a thorough mechanical inspection — ideally including a borescope check of the front brakes and a ramp inspection of the front suspension — would be strongly advisable before purchase.