2009 Citroen C3 1.6L Diesel · NY59 THN

The 2009 Citroen C3 presents a stable and largely consistent mechanical record through its recent MOT history. The most recent test, conducted on 02 October 2025 at 129,601 miles, resulted in a pass, though the tester noted a slightly damaged nearside obligatory mirror, a minor defect under item 3.3(b)(i) that typically relates to a cracked glass element or loose mounting rather than a systemic fault. Prior to that, the vehicle recorded four consecutive clean passes from September 2022 through September 2024, indicating no serious mechanical deterioration over the preceding three-year window. The only other recorded defect appeared in the August 2021 test at 107,982 miles, where the offside front tyre was worn close to the legal limit and on its edge, a consumable wear item rather than a structural concern. Overall, the trajectory is one of stable maintenance with no recurring mechanical failures. The mileage accumulation of roughly 7,624 miles per year over seventeen years is broadly typical for a small petrol supermini of this age, suggesting regular rather than intensive use. The recorded intervals show steady annual progression, with the vehicle covering approximately 4,600 miles between the September 2023 and September 2024 tests, and a similar 4,600-mile increment between September 2024 and October 2025. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer readings that would suggest long periods of standing or clocking concerns. The MOT record itself is complete and consecutive from 2021 onward, providing a reliable snapshot of the vehicle's recent use. Despite the clean recent record, a buyer should still carry out a focused physical inspection. The 2021 advisory on uneven front tyre wear points to possible tracking, suspension bush, or wheel alignment issues that may have recurred since. At nearly 130,000 miles, front suspension components such as drop links, track rod ends, and lower arm bushes are well within typical replacement intervals and should be checked for play. The exhaust system and its mountings deserve attention, as corrosion on the underside is common on C3 models of this generation, particularly around the rear silencer and flexi-joint. Brake discs and pads should be measured for wear, especially given the vehicle's age, and the handbrake linkage on the rear calipers tested for correct operation, a known weak point on PSA-platform small cars. Finally, the damaged nearside mirror noted in the October 2025 test should be verified as a simple glass replacement rather than evidence of impact damage to the door or wing. Underbody corrosion, particularly around the sills, subframe mounting points, and floor pans, warrants a thorough inspection with a torch, as structural integrity is critical on a vehicle approaching eighteen years old. The absence of MOT advisories is encouraging, but it does not substitute for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, especially given the vehicle's age-related vulnerability to rust and suspension fatigue.