2013 Citroen DS3 1.6L Diesel · MM07 CAT

The most recent DVSA examination on 4 August 2026 resulted in a pass, though the tester recorded advisories on both the nearside and offside front track rod end ball joints for slight play, indicating that these steering components are beginning to wear but remain within the threshold for an MOT pass. Looking at the broader test history, the maintenance trend is best described as mixed but worsening rather than stable. Between 2021 and 2026, the vehicle has accumulated multiple advisories for steering and suspension wear, including a cluster of front linkage and anti-roll bar ball joint plays in 2021 and 2022, followed by a 2022 failure for fractured rear coil springs and excessive track rod end play, a 2023 failure covering front brake pads worn to the wear indicator, a lower suspension arm bush defect, an insecure bumper, and a headlamp bulb failure, plus a 2024 failure for exhaust emissions exceeding the manufacturer's specified limit. The fact that the latest advisories relate to the same track rod ends that previously failed outright suggests these parts have been replaced at some point but are again showing play, which is worth scrutinising carefully during any inspection. With 78,287 miles recorded over approximately thirteen years, the annual mileage works out at roughly 6,022 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and indicates a mix of short urban journeys and the occasional longer run. There is no evidence in the MOT record of large mileage gaps or rapid accumulation, and the progression between tests appears consistent with regular use rather than long periods of standing. Mechanically, average mileage of this kind on a 2013 DS3 means that consumables such as brake discs and pads, tyres, drive belts, and suspension bushes will have seen a full life cycle of wear, while age-sensitive items such as the 12 volt battery, coolant, brake fluid, and any rubber or plastic components will also have degraded simply through calendar age regardless of distance covered. For a prospective buyer, the recurring steering and suspension advisories should be the primary focus of any physical inspection and test drive. Both front track rod ends were flagged with slight play in 2026 after previously failing for excessive play in 2022, so you should ask whether they have been replaced and request the invoice; during a road test, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for vague steering, wandering, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which would suggest the wear has progressed further since the test. The 2023 lower suspension arm bush failure and 2022 fractured rear coil springs indicate that the front and rear suspension has been overhauled in part; check that the rear springs are intact and that the car sits level, and inspect the front bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and wishbones for perishing or movement. Given the 2023 brake pad failure and 2021 advisory on the nearside rear pads, the brake discs and pads should be physically inspected for remaining thickness, corrosion around the disc edges from any standing periods, and any signs of binding calipers, while the 2024 engine and gearbox oil leak advisories warrant a thorough under-bonnet and under-floor check for fresh seepage from the sump, cam cover, or gearbox seals, as well as a look at the exhaust system for the source of the earlier emissions failure, which could relate to the lambda sensor, catalytic converter condition, or ignition components. Beyond the recorded defects, several age-related checks are sensible on a thirteen year old DS3 with this mileage. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking and perishing even if the tread depth is adequate, as rubber deteriorates with age and the production date on the sidewall will indicate whether they are approaching the typical five to six year replacement threshold. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, particularly if the car has been used mainly for short trips, and the coolant and brake fluid should be assessed for age, as these typically require replacement every two to three years for corrosion protection and moisture content reasons. Inspect the underbody and wheel arches for corrosion, paying particular attention to the suspension mounting points, subframe, and sills, all of which are common areas for rot on older French vehicles. Finally, verify the service history stamps and confirm that the timing belt, if applicable to this engine variant, has been replaced within the manufacturer-recommended interval, as neglect of this item can result in major engine damage on higher mileage vehicles of this vintage.