2013 Citroen Nemo 1.4L Petrol · PE63 BXV

The most recent MOT, carried out on 23 December 2025, was passed but returned a series of advisories covering an oil leak, front tyre wear, light oil mist from the off‑side front shock absorber, slight play in the off‑side front lower suspension arm ball joint, and a minor front exhaust leak. Compared with the earlier record, the vehicle moved from a serious failure in October 2023 – which highlighted a fractured near‑side front coil spring, excessive ball‑joint wear and multiple lighting faults – to a clean pass in November 2022 and a series of passes with only advisory items in 2024 and 2025. This pattern suggests that the major faults identified in 2023 have been remedied and that the current maintenance trend is stabilising, although the persistence of several recurring advisories indicates that some wear items are approaching the end of their service life. At 98 100 miles the car averages roughly 7 500 miles per year over its 13‑year life, a usage rate that sits comfortably within the typical UK average. The mileage does not reveal any periods of unusually high annual accumulation, which would have accelerated wear on the drivetrain and suspension, nor does it suggest prolonged inactivity that might have caused tyre perishing or battery deterioration. The relatively modest annual run‑off means that consumables such as brake discs, tyres and suspension components are likely to have a wear pattern more reflective of age than of extreme mileage, but the recorded advisories show that certain parts have been subjected to enough load to warrant attention. When inspecting the vehicle, pay particular attention to the front suspension and steering assembly. The off‑side front lower ball joint, flagged for slight play, should be checked for excess movement when the wheel is rocked and for any clunking noises over bumps; excessive wear may require replacement of the ball joint and possibly the associated control arm bushings. The shock absorber’s light oil mist suggests seal wear – look for oil on the shock body or on the tyre sidewall and listen for a soft thump when compressing the suspension. The front tyre was noted as close to the legal tread limit on the off‑side front; verify tread depth across the whole tyre, inspect the sidewalls for cracking or dry rot, and assess whether the tyre is unevenly worn, which could indicate alignment or suspension issues. The front brake disc, described as pitted or scored, should be examined for deep scoring or hot spots that could cause brake shudder; if the disc thickness is approaching the minimum legal limit, replacement of the disc and possibly the pads will be advisable. The minor front exhaust leak may manifest as a faint hissing or a change in exhaust note, especially under acceleration; a visual inspection of the exhaust manifold and pipe joints for cracks or rust is warranted. Finally, the deteriorated CV boot on the off‑side front outer drive‑shaft joint should be inspected for grease leakage or splintered material, as a failed boot can allow contaminants into the joint and lead to costly gearbox damage. Given the vehicle’s age, supplement the MOT‑driven checks with broader time‑based inspections. Examine the 12‑volt battery for terminal corrosion and verify its charge hold, particularly if the car has spent periods standing idle. Inspect all tyre sidewalls for age‑related cracking regardless of tread depth, as rubber can perish after six to eight years even on low‑kilometre tyres. Look for corrosion on the chassis, especially around wheel arches and under the vehicle, and ensure that any rust is surface‑level rather than structural. Confirm that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes, coolant flushes and timing‑belt (or chain) servicing in line with Citroën’s recommendations; lack of documented fluid changes can lead to degraded lubrication and overheating. A thorough test drive should include listening for any abnormal noises from the suspension, steering or drivetrain, feeling for any pull or vibration, and checking that all exterior lamps operate correctly, as the 2023 failure of the registration and stop lamps indicates that lighting circuits may have been repaired but should still be verified. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and the likely near‑term maintenance budget.