2012 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · ML12 LSC

The most recent MOT inspection on 16 June 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle shows a concerning trend of recurring advisories that suggest maintenance is reactive rather than preventative. While the car has avoided major failures in the last two years, the frequency of advisories regarding brake pipes, tyres, and exhaust components indicates a gradual decline in component health. Specifically, the repeated mention of corroded rear brake pipes since 2023 suggests that a significant repair is looming to prevent a future failure. The maintenance profile is currently worsening in terms of consumable wear and structural corrosion, particularly within the braking and exhaust systems. With 144,908 miles recorded over approximately 14 years, this Citroen C1 has averaged roughly 10,351 miles per year. This is consistent with typical UK usage for a small city car of this age. While the mileage is relatively high, it is distributed evenly, which generally implies regular use rather than long periods of standing. However, at this mileage and age, the mechanical components have undergone significant thermal and physical stress. You should expect higher rates of wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain components, and the high mileage necessitates a thorough check of the engine's oil consumption and overall compression levels. A primary area of concern for a prospective buyer is the braking system. The MOT history repeatedly highlights corroded rear brake pipes and a tendency for the rear parking brake to grab. During a test drive, listen for any clicking or grinding from the rear wheels and check for a spongy or inconsistent brake pedal feel, which could indicate fluid ingress or pipe degradation. Furthermore, the most recent test flagged three tyres as being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edges. This uneven wear often points to underlying suspension issues such as worn anti-roll bar linkages or misaligned geometry. You must inspect the tyre sidewalls for any signs of perishing and ensure the suspension bushes and coil springs are not showing excessive corrosion or play, as these have been flagged in previous years. The exhaust and underside of the vehicle also require close scrutiny. The history shows a long-standing issue with defective exhaust mountings and previous failures related to exhaust emissions and leaks. On your test drive, listen for any loud droning, rattling, or hissing sounds, especially during acceleration, which would indicate a failing mounting or a leak in the manifold or system. Additionally, the 2022 advisory regarding a non-excessive oil leak should be investigated by checking the engine bay for fresh weeping around gaskets. Given the age and mileage, verify that the service history is documented and that the timing belt or chain (depending on the specific engine variant) has been addressed according to manufacturer intervals, as neglect here poses a significant risk of catastrophic engine failure.