2012 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · NU12 LLG

The 2012 Citroen C1 passed its most recent MOT on 14 June 2025 at 60,333 miles with zero defects recorded, indicating a clean bill of health at that time. The overall maintenance trend appears to be improving. The vehicle carried multiple corrosion-related advisories in the June 2022 and June 2023 tests, yet by June 2024 and again in June 2025, the tester flagged no issues whatsoever. This suggests either remedial work was carried out on the subframe, suspension components, and brake pipework between 2023 and 2024, or the vehicle has been stored in a dry environment since then with minimal exposure to road salt. The absence of any new advisories in two consecutive annual tests is a positive sign, though the clean slate only confirms condition at the time of testing and does not guarantee ongoing structural integrity. The mileage progression tells a story of very light use. Between June 2022 at 41,466 miles and June 2025 at 60,333 miles, the car covered roughly 18,867 miles over three years, averaging around 6,289 miles annually. That figure is modest for a city car of this type and age. The jump from 54,289 miles in June 2024 to 60,333 miles in June 2025 represents 6,044 miles in a single year, which is consistent with regular short-trip urban driving. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes in the recorded odometer readings, and the annual test pattern is consistent, suggesting the car has been in continuous use rather than sitting unused for extended periods. Despite the clean recent record, the corrosion history from 2022 and 2023 warrants close physical inspection. The June 2022 test flagged corrosion on the front subframe, both lower suspension arms, rear brake pipes, front and rear brake hose ferrules, and all four coil springs, along with both front shock absorber outer casings showing signs of corrosion. The June 2023 test noted continued corrosion on the front and rear subframes and lower suspension arms, plus a perished offside rear tyre. A prospective buyer should have the underside inspected on a ramp, paying particular attention to the subframe mounting points, lower arm bushings, and the condition of the rear brake lines where grease contamination was previously noted. Surface corrosion on suspension components can be cosmetic, but pitting or flaking on load-bearing areas may indicate long-term exposure to moisture and salt that could compromise structural integrity over time. The recurring tyre advisories in 2021 and 2023, both concerning the offside rear tyre, suggest that corner may have been exposed to UV damage or underinflation over time. All four tyres should be checked for age, sidewall condition, and tread depth, regardless of the clean 2025 result. Brake performance should also be road-tested, particularly the rear calipers and handbrake mechanism, given the history of corroded brake pipework and hose ferrules. The clean MOT record is encouraging, but the earlier pattern of corrosion across multiple structural and braking components means a thorough underside inspection remains essential before purchase.