2012 Citroen C3 1.4L Diesel · RF61 AEB

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive repairs rather than preventative care. The most recent test in February 2026 at 81,245 miles passed with only a minor failure for an inoperative registration plate lamp. This represents a significant improvement over the previous year, where multiple mechanical advisories were noted, suggesting the owner has recently addressed some outstanding structural and suspension issues. At 81,245 miles, this 14-year-old Citroen has averaged approximately 5,800 miles per year. This low usage often correlates with the accelerated degradation of rubber-based components rather than mechanical wear from distance. Between February 2024 and February 2025, the car covered only 1,573 miles, indicating very low annual mileage. However, the 2022 record of perishing and cracking tyres across all axles suggests the vehicle may have sat for long periods, leading to dry rot and uneven wear despite the low mileage. A buyer must specifically inspect the front suspension, as the 2025 test flagged worn pins and bushes on both the nearside and offside lower suspension arms. While these did not cause a failure at the time, they indicate the beginning of structural fatigue in the rubber bushings. The exhaust system shows a chronic history of corrosion, with corroded hangers and mounts reported from 2022 through 2025. Although the system is currently supported, the recurring nature of these faults suggests the entire exhaust assembly is nearing the end of its functional life and will likely require replacement in the near future.