2006 Citroen C4 1.6L Petrol · PJ55 ACX

A recurring pattern of front-end wear dominates the recorded MOT history of this twenty-year-old Citroen C4, with steering, suspension, and braking components flagged across three of the last four tests. The most recent examination on 23 October 2024 initially failed on a non-functioning nearside front position lamp, though the same test produced four advisories that had clearly developed prior to the bulb failure: nearside front and offside front inner tyres worn close to the legal limit with edge wear, a pitted or scored nearside rear brake disc, and noticeable play in the offside front steering rack inner joint. Earlier tests reinforce this pattern, with an offside front ball joint showing slight play in November 2023, nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint play alongside corroded front coil springs on both sides in November 2022, and worn front brake discs recorded in 2021. Taken together, the advisories point to a chassis that is accumulating wear across its steering and suspension geometry in a manner consistent with the mileage it has covered. At 218,417 recorded miles, this C4 has averaged approximately 10,921 miles per year over its twenty-year life, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of its age. There are no significant gaps in the testing record that would suggest extended periods off the road, and the mileage accumulation appears consistent rather than erratic. However, any powertrain of this vintage and mileage will inevitably have consumed multiple sets of tyres, brake pads, discs, and clutches, with internal wear on engine, gearbox, and drivetrain components now a material consideration. The combination of high overall mileage and visible wear on suspension and steering joints suggests that routine servicing will have needed to extend beyond fluid and filter changes into replacement of wear items. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the steering and suspension components flagged in the advisories. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end, particularly over uneven surfaces or when turning at low speed, which would indicate worsening wear in the offside front steering rack inner joint or the anti-roll bar linkage ball joint previously flagged. Check for uneven or feathered tyre wear across the front axle, as the recorded edge wear may persist if alignment is not corrected, and inspect both front coil springs visually for corrosion and any signs of vehicle sagging at the front corners. Steering should feel precise without excess slack or vibration through the wheel, and any wandering at speed or reluctance to self-centre would warrant further investigation into the steering rack condition. Braking performance requires particular scrutiny given the multiple disc-related advisories. The scored nearside rear brake disc noted in 2024 should be checked for pulsing through the brake pedal under firm application, alongside any grinding or scraping noises that would suggest pad material is now exhausted against the worn disc surface. The front discs flagged in 2021 may also be approaching their second or third replacement by this point. The recent failure on the nearside front position lamp is minor in isolation, but all exterior lighting should be verified for current function. Finally, request evidence of timing belt and water pump replacement intervals, inspect the underbody for oil leaks from the engine and gearbox, and check coolant condition, as any powertrain service history will be material at this mileage even though MOT records alone cannot confirm it.