2013 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · ML63 AAX

The vehicle achieved a PASS on its most recent MOT test conducted on 21 January 2026, though it carries four advisories that warrant close attention. The failure recorded the day prior on 20 January 2026 was due solely to a defective front windscreen wiper blade, a minor defect that was evidently remedied before the re-test the following day. Reviewing the trajectory across the available DVSA records, the overall trend is broadly stable rather than deteriorating, with no structural failures and no repeat major defects. The suspension and braking components flagged in early 2025 did not escalate to failure categories by January 2026, suggesting either remedial attention or that wear progression has been slow. The recurring presence of anti-roll bar linkage wear across both 2023 and 2025 indicates an ongoing area of degradation that has not yet been fully resolved. With approximately 90,794 miles recorded over 13 years, the vehicle is averaging around 6,984 miles annually, which sits broadly within the expected range for a city-oriented Citroen C1 of this vintage and is entirely consistent with its typical usage profile as an urban runabout. There are noticeable gaps between MOT entries, with no test recorded during 2024, which combined with the relatively modest annual mileage suggests the car may have seen periods of lighter use or standing time. Such usage patterns in older vehicles tend to promote standing-based corrosion on brake discs, caliper seizure from infrequent actuation, and degradation of underbody components rather than the high-mileage wear seen on motorway-driven examples. The brake binding advisory from the latest test is consistent with light-use caliper issues rather than mechanical wear. The most recent advisories merit particular scrutiny during a physical inspection. The noted oil leak, while classed as not excessive, should be monitored for progression; on a test drive, listen for any change in engine note on startup and inspect the underbody and surrounding components for fresh residue. The nearside rear brake binding should be checked by ensuring the wheel spins freely when cool and by feeling for uneven temperature or pulling to one side under braking. Rear axle corrosion and corroded rear suspension components flagged across consecutive tests warrant a thorough examination of structural integrity, paying close attention to mounting points, spring seats, and trailing arm locations for any advanced section loss. The discoloured front indicator lens is cosmetic but should be replaced to maintain signalling clarity and avoid future failure. The advisories from the January 2025 test for thinning front brake pads and worn front brake discs indicate these consumables will require imminent replacement, particularly given the additional annual mileage likely accumulated since. The offside front anti-roll bar linkage wear, flagged in both 2023 and 2025, should be inspected for any knocking or clunking noises over speed humps or during directional changes, as further deterioration will eventually compromise handling. The slightly noisy offside rear wheel bearing noted in 2025 warrants a road test in a quiet environment to confirm whether the noise has progressed. Beyond the recorded history, a buyer should also verify time-based servicing such as coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil condition given the vehicle's age, inspect tyres for sidewall perishing and cracking common to low-mileage cars, check the 12-volt battery for adequate cranking performance, and ensure the service book shows evidence of regular oil and filter changes despite the modest annual mileage.