1997 Citroen ZX 1.9L Diesel · P496 BEL
1997 Citroen ZX (1.9L, diesel). First registered 29 Mar 1997. Recorded mileage 112,899 miles. MOT valid until 10 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- CITROEN ZX
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 10 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Sept 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 112,899 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
P496 BEL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 11/02/2026
- 112,899 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P496 BEL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Citroen Zx (P496 BEL) between November 2022 and February 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 11 February 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 17 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
P496 BEL Mileage History
- 07/11/2022108,401 mi
- 30/10/2023111,413 mi+3,012 mi
- 02/11/2023111,417 mi+4 mi
- 03/02/2025112,478 mi+1,061 mi
- 11/02/2026112,899 mi+421 mi
Average of roughly 1,379 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution. While the low mile
Prioritise an investigation into the oil leak, which has been noted in every MOT test since November 2022. You should determine the exact source of the leak and whether it has been addressed or simply monitored. Given the age of the vehicle, check for a comprehensive service history that documents the replacement of seals and gaskets.
Pay close attention to the braking system. The MOT records show a history of corroded brake pipes and hoses (2022 and 2025), as well as binding and grabbing brakes (2025 and 2026). Negotiate the price based on the potential need for a full brake system overhaul to ensure long-term safety and reliability.
The 1905cc diesel engine is designed for efficiency, though it will not match the emissions or fuel economy of modern diesel units. Tax will be based on the vehicle's age and engine size, typically placing it in a predictable bracket for 1990s diesels.
Insurance groups for the ZX are generally low, but maintenance costs may be unpredictable. Finding genuine parts for a 1997 Citroen can sometimes be challenging, and the age of the vehicle suggests a higher likelihood of needing replacement rubber components and seals.
Conduct a thorough inspection of the braking system, specifically looking for the corrosion on brake pipes and hoses mentioned in the 2022 and 2025 records. Test the handbrake and footbrake for any signs of the 'grabbing' or 'binding' noted in the most recent MOTs.
Check the engine bay and underbody for the persistent oil leak reported since 2022. Additionally, inspect the front lower suspension arm ball joints, as this was the cause of a failure in October 2023. Finally, check the condition of the tyres and registration plates, as these have been flagged for perishing and deterioration.
This green 1997 Citroen ZX diesel has recorded 112,899 miles. The MOT history reveals a consistent pattern of oil leaks and multiple advisories regarding brake pipe and hose corrosion. Despite these recurring issues, the vehicle has maintained its roadworthiness through recent tests.
Aggregate data is unavailable for the Citroen ZX, but this specific example shows a trend of minor fluid leaks and brake system wear.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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