2014 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · NV14 ABO

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 13 August 2026, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning and appears to be worsening. The recent failure on 4 August 2026 regarding the parking brake system, combined with previous major failures involving the CV boot and suspension ball joints in 2025, suggests a reactive approach to maintenance rather than a preventative one. The presence of new advisories regarding brake binding and structural corrosion indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase of increased mechanical decay, requiring closer scrutiny of its long-term viability. With 112,115 miles recorded over approximately twelve years, the vehicle has averaged around 9,343 miles per year. This is considered typical usage for a car of this vintage, meaning the drivetrain and engine have likely experienced a balanced load of urban and motorway miles. However, exceeding the 100,000-mile threshold often coincides with the end of the natural life cycle for various rubber components, suspension bushings, and dampers, which is reflected in the recorded history of ball joint and CV boot failures. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking system. The advisory for a binding offside front service brake suggests a caliper that is not fully retracting, which can lead to premature pad wear, overheating, and reduced braking efficiency. During a test drive, feel for any pulling to one side under braking or a distinct smell of burning friction material after a period of driving. Furthermore, the history of parking brake failure and lever adjustment indicates a system that may require a full overhaul or frequent adjustment to remain compliant. The most concerning point is the reported corrosion on the nearside sill. While currently deemed not to affect structural rigidity, sill corrosion on these models can spread rapidly and lead to costly welding requirements to pass future MOT tests. Inspect the lower sills thoroughly for bubbling paint or perforated metal. Additionally, given the previous advisory for steering rack play and uneven tyre wear, listen for clunks or knocks when turning the wheel at low speeds and check the current tyre treads for irregular wear patterns, which would indicate lingering alignment or steering geometry issues.