2014 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · OW14 DVO

The 2014 Citroen C3 presents a stable but poorly maintained roadworthiness profile. The most recent test on 22 July 2025 at 31,034 miles resulted in a pass, yet the tester flagged a defective front exhaust mounting, indicating the car left the test with an unresolved mechanical fault. Looking back, the maintenance trend is not improving; it is characterised by repeated failures of basic consumables and a failure to address underlying deterioration before the annual test. The vehicle passed its most recent inspection, but the pattern suggests reactive rather than preventative upkeep. The mileage accumulation tells a clear story of extremely light use. Between the July 2022 test at 24,634 miles and the July 2025 test at 31,034 miles, the car covered just 6,400 miles over three years, averaging roughly 2,100 miles annually. This is exceptionally low for a twelve-year-old vehicle. Such sporadic use explains the recurring tyre perishing flagged in 2023 and 2024; tyres age and crack from ozone and UV exposure regardless of tread depth. Long periods of standing likely caused the rubber to degrade between tests, and the 2024 failure for perished rear tyres on 29,346 miles, followed by a pass on the same issue months later at 29,346 miles, suggests a last-minute tyre swap rather than ongoing care. The repeated tyre defects across all four corners in 2023 and 2024 point to a neglect of rubber components. A buyer should carefully inspect all tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot, and date stamps, as the current set may be aged stock. The defective front exhaust mounting noted in July 2025 requires immediate attention. A failed mounting allows excessive exhaust movement, risking stress fractures in the system and potential detachment. Inspect the full exhaust for fresh cracks, gas leaks, and corroded hangers. Beyond the flagged items, the low mileage raises concerns about brake and suspension condition. Brake discs and calipers can seize or corrode from prolonged inactivity, so check for binding, uneven disc wear, and handbrake function. Suspension bushes and coil springs may have deteriorated despite the low mileage, particularly if the car has sat on uneven surfaces. A thorough underbody inspection for structural corrosion is essential, as short trips prevent the underbody from drying properly, accelerating rust on subframes and mounting points.