2013 Citroen C3 1.6L Diesel · PP63 BUN

The Citroën C3’s MOT history shows a vehicle that has been subject to intermittent but serious maintenance oversights, with a concerning pattern of repeated failures on critical safety components. The most recent test in December 2025—just seven months ago—reveals two separate entries on the same day: one pass and one fail, the latter highlighting a defective rear exhaust mount and front tyre issues at 142,808 miles. This suggests the car was presented for test in an unroadworthy state, with the tester identifying not just a worn-out tyre but also a structural exhaust defect, which could indicate neglect of routine checks. The prior failure in December 2024 at 133,669 miles was far more severe, with binding front brakes—flagged by dangerously thin pads and a significantly worn disc—preventing the tester from assessing brake performance. That the car passed cleanly in December 2023 at 123,497 miles implies the problems emerged sharply in the following year, pointing to either deferred repairs or a change in ownership where basic upkeep was abandoned. The mileage accumulation of roughly 10,985 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the clustering of failures in the last two tests suggests sporadic attention rather than consistent maintenance. The 9,141-mile jump between the December 2023 pass and the December 2024 failure indicates the car was driven heavily in that period, yet critical wear—such as the front brake components—was allowed to deteriorate to a dangerous extent. The fact that the most recent fail was followed by a pass on the same day implies the issues were addressed post-test, but without knowing whether the exhaust mount or tyres were replaced permanently, there’s no guarantee they won’t reappear. The absence of earlier failures in the record also raises questions about whether previous owners or testers overlooked these problems. For a prospective buyer, the front brake system demands immediate scrutiny. The December 2024 failure notes binding calipers and a severely worn disc, which often leads to uneven wear, excessive heat build-up, and potential fluid contamination. Inspect the brake pads, discs, and caliper slides for corrosion or seized components, and check for any signs of recent servicing—such as fresh brake fluid or uniform pad wear. The rear exhaust mount defect in the latest test, while not immediately safety-critical, could mask deeper corrosion or fatigue in the suspension or subframe, so examine the mountings and surrounding chassis for rust or loose fixings. Tyre condition is also a red flag: the December 2025 fail cited a near-legal tread depth and edge wear, suggesting alignment issues or underinflation. Verify the current tread depth across all four tyres and check for uneven wear patterns, which could indicate suspension wear or poor wheel balancing. Given the history of deferred repairs, a full brake fluid flush, suspension bush inspection, and a closer look at the exhaust system’s integrity would be prudent before committing to a purchase.