2011 Citroen C3 1.6L Petrol · OY61 BVM

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding suspension-related components. While it passed the most recent September 2025 test at 65,045 miles, it had failed that same session due to multiple significant defects. The tester identified a fractured nearside rear coil spring, a missing steering rack gaiter, and excessively worn anti-roll bar bushes. Although these were rectified to achieve the pass, the recurring presence of worn lower arm bushes indicates a systemic decline in the front suspension assembly. At 65,045 miles over fifteen years, the car has covered exceptionally low mileage, averaging approximately 4,336 miles per year. This low usage often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components rather than mechanical wear from distance. The data shows consistent annual intervals of roughly 3,500 to 4,000 miles between 2023 and 2025. However, the 2024 advisory regarding a perishing nearside tyre at 59,612 miles is a classic symptom of a vehicle that sits for long periods, allowing rubber rot to occur. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension, specifically checking the lower control arms and anti-roll bar links, which have appeared as faults repeatedly across 2023, 2024, and 2025. The front oil leak noted in the 2025 test requires monitoring to ensure it does not evolve into a significant seal failure. Additionally, the steering rack gaiter that caused the 2025 failure should be inspected for any new tears to prevent internal rack damage. Given the history of a back box leak in 2023, the exhaust system should also be checked for corrosion or structural weakness that may have developed since the previous repair.