2012 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · MM61 ACZ

The Citroën C4’s most recent MOT test on 2024-10-24 at 138,607 miles confirms it remains roadworthy, with no defects recorded across the last two annual tests. However, the history reveals a concerning pattern of immediate retest failures in October 2023 and October 2022, where the vehicle failed on the same mileage day before passing the next. This suggests either a critical but intermittent issue—likely related to suspension alignment, brake binding, or minor structural corrosion—rather than a consistent maintenance oversight. The absence of advisories in the latest pass implies any recurring problems were either resolved or masked by the tester, but buyers should treat this as a red flag for potential hidden wear in high-stress components. The recorded mileage of 138,607 miles over 14 years averages roughly 9,900 miles annually, which is within the expected range for a vehicle of this age. There are no prolonged gaps in service or abrupt spikes in mileage, though the lack of pre-MOT maintenance records means we cannot confirm whether interim checks were performed. The repeated failures on the same date—2022 at 122,216 miles and 2023 at 131,229 miles—could indicate a seasonal issue, possibly tied to weather conditions affecting suspension or brake performance. Without service history, it is impossible to verify whether critical components like coil springs, suspension bushes, or brake calipers were inspected or replaced between tests. Given the history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, which are common failure points in this model. The repeated failures suggest potential binding in the rear brakes, so caliper pistons and disc thickness should be measured. Structural integrity is another concern—check for corrosion at wheel arches, sills, and the subframe, as this often correlates with MOT failures. The absence of advisories in the latest pass does not rule out hidden issues, so a thorough brake fluid flush, power steering fluid check, and differential inspection are advisable. The vehicle’s age and mileage demand scrutiny of consumables like tyres, wiper blades, and hoses, but the mechanical risks lie in the suspension and braking systems.