2014 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · ML64 RBY

The most recent MOT, carried out on 16 April 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the car met the statutory safety and emissions standards at that time. However, the preceding two years show a pattern of intermittent failures – notably in February 2024 for dangerously thin front brake pads and in February 2023 for an inadequate windscreen washer supply – together with a series of recurring advisories concerning front suspension arm bushes, tyre tread limits and front brake wear. While the vehicle has now cleared the test, the persistence of these wear items suggests a maintenance picture that is neither improving nor deteriorating dramatically, but one that requires ongoing attention to prevent future failures. At 50,153 miles on the odometer for a 2014 model, the car averages roughly 4,200 miles per year, which is well below the typical UK usage rate for a vehicle of this age. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, both of which can accelerate the ageing of rubber components, battery plates and brake hardware even when the clocked mileage is modest. The relatively low wear on the power‑train may be offset by calendar‑based degradation, meaning that consumables such as tyres, seals and fluids could be more advanced in their life‑cycle than the mileage alone would suggest. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the front suspension arm bushes, which have been flagged on three separate occasions. Inspect the bushings for any looseness, cracking or excessive play when the steering wheel is rocked at a standstill; on a test drive listen for clunking or feel for a vague wobble when negotiating bumps. The tyre advisories indicate that both front and nearside rear tyres were close to the legal tread limit, so a thorough visual and tactile examination of all four tyres is essential – look for uneven wear patterns, sidewall cracking, or dry rot that can arise from long periods of inactivity. The brake system also warrants scrutiny: the front pads were recorded at less than 1.5 mm in early 2024, and the discs were noted as pitted. Verify pad thickness with a micrometer or have a mechanic do so, and feel for any pulsation, squeal or reduced bite under moderate braking, which would signal that pads and discs are approaching the end of their service life and will need replacement soon. Beyond the specific items flagged, the car’s age calls for a comprehensive age‑related check‑list. Examine the battery for corrosion on the terminals and test its cranking voltage, as a twelve‑volt unit left idle for years can lose capacity. Inspect the exhaust mounting brackets for any progression of the slight corrosion noted in 2022, and ensure there are no rust perforations in the under‑body or wheel arches. Verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are topped up and that the fluids appear clean, since time can cause degradation even without high mileage. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and any recommended timing‑belt or chain service, as these are critical for long‑term reliability on a vehicle that has spent considerable time stationary. A careful visual inspection combined with a measured test drive should reveal whether the car remains a sound mechanical purchase or if the accumulated wear will soon translate into costly remedial work.