2013 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · RE63 VLM

The 2013 Citroen C4 presented a pass at its most recent MOT examination on 21 November 2025, with advisories logged against both front suspension arm pins or bushes for wear not yet resulting in excessive movement. Reviewing the sequence of tests over the preceding years reveals a maintenance trend that, while currently within legal thresholds, is showing a pattern of recurring advisory items concentrated on the front suspension components. This is not unexpected for a vehicle of this age and is not a failure, but the persistence of identical advisories across the 2023, 2024, and 2025 tests does indicate a progressive deterioration rather than a resolved issue. Earlier advisories concerning rear brake pads and discs wearing thin, together with corroded rear brake discs in 2018, suggest that the braking system has been monitored and managed appropriately, with no repeat braking advisories since 2022 indicating those components were likely addressed in interim servicing. With 53,340 miles recorded on a 2013 registration, this C4 averages approximately 4,100 miles annually, which is notably low for its age and points either to predominantly light use, a period of extended standing, or potentially a recent reduction in motoring activity. Such low annual mileage tends to be kinder to major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox, as these parts suffer less from general wear accumulation. However, low-mileage vehicles frequently exhibit calendar-related degradation issues, particularly around tyres, brake systems, battery condition, and fluid deterioration, because rubber and electrochemical components degrade with time irrespective of how little the car is driven. The MOT record supports this concern, with advisories logged in 2018 for rear tyre perishing and recurring brake disc corrosion, both of which are classic symptoms of a vehicle that has spent substantial periods stationary. A prospective buyer should treat the repeated front suspension arm bush advisories as the primary inspection priority. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension, particularly when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, as this would indicate the bushes have now progressed to the point of allowing excessive play. Visually inspect the nearside and offside front lower suspension arms for cracking, splitting, or visible separation in the rubber bushes, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which is a common secondary symptom of worn suspension bushes altering camber geometry. Given the recurring nature of this advisory over three consecutive tests, budgeting for replacement of the front suspension arm bushes within the near term would be prudent, as the wear pattern suggests they are now approaching the threshold at which they would fail an MOT. Beyond the suspension concerns, several age- and mileage-related checks warrant attention before purchase. Inspect all four tyres, including the rear pair specifically, for sidewall cracking or perishing given the 2018 advisory flagging this issue; aged tyres can lose structural integrity even with adequate tread depth, and replacements should be considered if the sidewalls show any signs of brittleness or visible cracking. Examine the rear brake discs for any surface corrosion, binding caliper symptoms, or uneven wear, as corrosion can lead to juddering or pulling under braking, particularly after the vehicle has been standing. Verify the age and condition of the 12-volt battery, as low-mileage use often leads to a chronically undercharged battery that may have been replaced previously or could now be failing. Finally, confirm the service history documentation, paying particular attention to whether the brake fluid, coolant, and timing or auxiliary belts have been renewed at calendar-appropriate intervals, since fluid degradation and belt ageing occur regardless of mileage and are not flagged during standard MOT testing.