2012 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · PJ12 ABU

A clear pattern of accumulating front suspension wear defines the mechanical picture for this 2012 Citroen C1, with the most recent test on 20 March 2026 passing only after the same set of lower arm rear bush and ball joint dust cover defects was recorded as Minor items on both sides, having first been flagged in identical form on 14 March 2025. The rear beam axle has also attracted advisories for corrosion in 2024, 2025, and 2026, suggesting a progressive deterioration of the rear suspension structure rather than a one-off finding. The 16 March 2026 failed test is notable for the two Major stop lamp defects, which are likely a simple bulb or wiring issue, but it is the suspension advisories that carry more lasting mechanical significance, particularly as they have now repeated across consecutive tests on the same components. The overall trend is one of gradually declining structural condition at both front and rear, even though the vehicle has continued to pass on the more serious categories. Annual mileage of roughly 6,481 miles over fourteen years is broadly typical for the age of the vehicle and indicates regular if modest use. The recorded test entries run consecutively from 2020 through 2026 without gaps, and the mileage progression between tests is consistent with a car that has remained in active service throughout this period. This level of usage is sufficient to keep mechanical components, particularly brake discs, suspension linkages, and underbody protection, from suffering the long-term degradation that often affects very low mileage or laid-up vehicles. However, the steady accumulation of suspension advisories across recent years indicates that consumable underbody components are reaching the point where replacement, rather than further monitoring, is becoming the more prudent course of action. A prospective buyer should focus attention on the front suspension assembly, as the rear bushes of both lower arms and the ball joint dust covers have now been flagged across two consecutive MOT tests. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front wheels when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and feel for any vagueness or looseness in the steering, which would indicate that the deteriorating bushes are no longer locating the suspension components correctly. With the nearside track rod end dust cover also recorded as damaged in 2025, any uneven tyre wear on the front pair of tyres or a tendency for the steering to pull should be taken seriously. Inspection on a ramp would be advisable to confirm whether the rear bushes have cracked through entirely, as splitting dust covers on a C1 of this age frequently progress to play in the joints themselves. The front brake discs warrant close attention given the consistent advisory for pitting and scoring since 2022, and the nearside rear brake pipe corrosion flagged in the latest test should be examined for active rusting rather than just surface grease. The 2026 stop lamp failure is unlikely to recur once rectified, but a buyer should still verify that all rear lighting functions correctly, including the supplementary lamps often fitted to C1 tailgate assemblies. The rear beam axle corrosion, present as an advisory for three consecutive years, should be inspected for any flaking or scaling that could indicate the onset of structural rather than surface corrosion. Finally, given the vehicle's age and the pattern of recurring underbody wear, a thorough inspection of the exhaust system mounting points and the general condition of the fuel and brake lines along the underside would be a sensible precaution before purchase.