1997 Citroen C15 1.8L Diesel · P140 GNN

The most recent MOT test on 2025-07-29 confirms this Citroën C15 passed without defects at 139,692 miles, but the record reveals an unusual pattern of repeated failures at identical mileages in 2022 and 2023. Both years show two separate tests—one passing and one failing—at 139,183 and 139,684 miles respectively, suggesting either a test centre error or a vehicle that narrowly avoided serious failings. The lack of recorded defects in the passing tests implies the tester may have overlooked critical issues, or the vehicle was just outside the threshold for major failings. The most recent pass in July 2025 is acceptable, but the history raises questions about whether underlying problems were addressed or simply skirted. The recorded mileage of 139,692 miles over nearly 29 years—roughly 4,817 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting it has spent extended periods stationary or seen very light use. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests (1,511 miles in 14 months) and the subsequent 18-month hiatus before the 2025 test (another 1,508 miles) further supports this. Such low mileage can mask deeper issues, as components may not have endured the stress of higher mileage, yet it also implies deferred maintenance. The absence of advisories or partial failures in the record does not guarantee structural integrity, particularly in areas like suspension mounts, subframe connections, or exhaust supports, which can degrade even with minimal movement. Given the history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear trailing arms and bushes, which are prone to wear in this model. The repeated test anomalies in 2022–2023 warrant scrutiny of the braking system, including rear caliper binding or seized wheel bearings, as these are common causes for MOT failures that might not always be immediately obvious. Corrosion should be checked at wheel arches, sills, and the subframe, as rust can compromise structural integrity without obvious signs. Finally, the exhaust system—especially at the rear mounting points—should be examined for leaks or loose supports, as these often fail silently and can lead to repeated test issues. The lack of advisories does not rule out hidden problems, so thoroughness is essential.