2023 Citroen C5 Aircross Shine Bluehdi SS A 1.5L Diesel · NU23 AFJ

The most recent DVSA MOT carried out on 7 August 2026 resulted in a failure. While the vehicle cleared the overall safety inspection, three major defects were recorded: a split or insecure constant‑velocity (CV) boot on the near‑side front outer drive‑shaft joint, and excessive headlamp aim on both the near‑side and off‑side units. An advisory also noted a nail in the near‑side rear tyre. The presence of multiple major items indicates a maintenance trend that is currently deteriorating and will require immediate remedial work before the car can be deemed road‑worthy. At 30,953 miles the Citroën C5 Aircross has logged roughly 10,300 miles per annum over its three‑year life, which sits squarely within the normal UK usage envelope. There is no evidence of unusually high mileage accumulation that would accelerate wear on consumables, nor of prolonged periods of inactivity that might suggest hidden corrosion or fluid degradation. The mileage level is consistent with a vehicle that has seen regular, moderate use, meaning that wear on the suspension bushings, brake pads and tyres should be typical for its age. The split CV boot is the most pressing mechanical concern. A compromised boot allows grit and moisture to enter the joint, leading to premature bearing wear, noise, and eventual loss of drive‑shaft function. On a test drive the driver may hear a constant whine or clicking that changes with engine speed and gear selection, and may feel a vibration under acceleration. The boot should be replaced and the joint inspected for bearing wear before any further mileage is added. The headlamp aim being too high is a safety issue that can cause glare to oncoming traffic and may be a sign of mis‑adjusted headlamp units or suspension changes; the lamps should be realigned to the correct specification and the mounting brackets checked for looseness. The nail in the near‑side rear tyre is a minor advisory but should be removed and the tyre inspected for internal damage; if the tyre shows any bulging, tread separation or sidewall cracking it should be replaced. Beyond the recorded defects, a three‑year‑old vehicle benefits from a thorough age‑related inspection. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension components. Check the 12‑volt battery for electrolyte level and cranking performance, as batteries can lose capacity after a few years of standing. Inspect the brake discs for surface corrosion or scoring, and verify that the calipers move freely without binding, especially if the car has been parked for extended periods. Verify that service records show timely oil, coolant and brake‑fluid changes, as fluids degrade with time even if mileage is modest. Confirm that the exhaust system is free of rust or holes and that the under‑body shows no signs of structural corrosion. Addressing these items will give a prospective buyer confidence that the vehicle is mechanically sound and that the major MOT failures have been properly rectified.