2016 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · MP65 CME

The most recent MOT on 14 March 2025 resulted in a failure, recording four major defects and one advisory. The major items – an inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp, parking‑brake efficiency below 50 per cent, a non‑functioning nearside rear parking brake and exhaust emissions beyond the manufacturer’s limit – indicate significant mechanical and emissions‑system concerns. The advisory about wear on the nearside front suspension arm pin or bush, while not yet a safety‑critical fault, suggests the suspension is beginning to deteriorate. In contrast, the three preceding annual tests (2022, 2023 and 2021) all passed with no recorded defects, so the vehicle’s condition has clearly deteriorated rather than improved, signalling a recent lapse in maintenance or the emergence of age‑related failures. At 113,749 miles recorded for a 2016 model, the car averages roughly 11,300 miles per year, which sits squarely within the typical UK usage pattern for a vehicle of this age. The mileage does not point to extreme abuse, but the combination of moderate annual distance and a recent MOT failure suggests that the car may have spent periods of low use or standing, during which components such as brakes, suspension bushings and fluids can degrade even without high mileage. The mileage level also means that wear items – tyres, brake discs and pads, clutch (if a manual), and engine bearings – are approaching the latter stages of their service lives and should be inspected closely. A prospective buyer should treat the engine MIL fault and excess emissions as a priority. The malfunction indicator lamp being inoperative often masks a sensor failure, a faulty catalytic converter, or a more serious engine management issue; a diagnostic scan will be required to pinpoint the fault, and the repair could involve replacement of oxygen sensors, the exhaust‑gas recirculation valve or the catalyst itself. On a test drive, listen for rough idling, loss of power, or a noticeable drop in fuel efficiency, and watch for any unusual exhaust smoke. The parking‑brake inefficiency and the rear parking‑brake inoperability will likely stem from stretched or corroded cables, worn adjusters or seized mechanisms; the system should be fully rebuilt or replaced, and the driver should verify that the handbrake holds firmly on a hill without requiring excessive lever travel. The front suspension arm bush wear, while currently advisory, is a precursor to excessive play in the wheel hub; the bush should be inspected for looseness and, if any clunking is heard when steering over bumps, the arm should be replaced before it progresses to a safety‑critical condition. Beyond the recorded defects, the buyer should carry out a comprehensive age‑related inspection. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that could indicate misalignment or suspension degradation. Check the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and assess voltage under load, as a ten‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the pads have adequate thickness and even wear. Look for any signs of fluid leaks – coolant, oil, brake fluid – and verify that all service fluids have been changed within the recommended intervals, particularly the brake fluid, which should be flushed at least every two years. Finally, assess the under‑body for rust, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, and confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and any recommended timing‑belt or chain service, as neglect in these areas can lead to costly failures later on.