2011 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · RO11 UAM

A thirteen-year-old diesel-hatchback profile of recurring corrosion and consumable wear is beginning to define this Citroen C4's roadworthiness, with the most recent test on 6 May 2026 revealing a clear mechanical narrative. The car passed on that date, but only after a fail earlier in the same day for a non-functioning offside rear position lamp and stop lamp — both straightforward electrical items, but indicative of bulbs or wiring that have been left unattended. Underneath the lighting issues, the advisories recorded across the spring 2026 tests tell a more structural story: an offside rear coil spring showing corrosion in May, both rear coil springs corroded in April, and a bonnet hinge that has deteriorated or become misaligned. The coil spring advisories are particularly noteworthy as they point to the early stages of component failure, where a corroded spring can ultimately snap, leading to a sudden loss of ride height and unstable handling. The rear brake disc advisories, noting pitting and scoring on both sides, suggest the discs are nearing the end of their service life and will likely require replacement at the next service interval. At 95,424 miles against a fifteen-year age, this C4 is averaging roughly 6,362 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a car of its vintage and likely use profile. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest extended periods off the road, and the steady annual accumulation indicates regular driving rather than the sporadic use which can accelerate issues such as brake corrosion or moisture build-up. The 2025 test was largely clean apart from a cluster of tyre-related advisories and a dangerous failure for an offside front tyre with exposed cords, suggesting that tyre condition had been allowed to deteriorate significantly before intervention. The current 95,424-mile figure places the vehicle in a band where suspension consumables, exhaust mounting rubbers, and rear brake components commonly begin to require attention. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be the rear suspension, given the pattern of coil spring corrosion. Physically look for any uneven stance, particularly on the offside rear, and on the test drive listen for clonking or knocking over uneven surfaces, which would suggest a spring has already fractured or a related bush has failed. Pay close attention to the ride quality over bumps at low speed, as a weak spring will allow the wheel to travel further than intended, producing a crashy, unsettled feel. The rear brake discs should be inspected for a deep lip on the outer edge, scored surfaces visible through the wheel spokes, and any pulsing through the brake pedal under firm application, which would confirm the pitting has progressed to the point of requiring replacement. The bonnet hinge advisory and the wiring issues affecting the rear lamps warrant a careful electrical and body check. Examine the hinge for free play or a bonnet that does not sit flush, and confirm both rear lamp clusters illuminate correctly on brake application and sidelight operation, as intermittent contacts are common on ageing harnesses. On the test drive, check the washers as the April 2026 fail noted insufficient fluid delivery to both sides, which can indicate a blocked washer jet, perished pipe, or failing pump. Verify the direction indicators operate in both directions and that no lamp shows the wrong colour output, as this was an issue in April. Finally, carry out a thorough underbody examination for surface corrosion, paying particular attention to the rear axle area and exhaust mounting points, given the spring corrosion findings, and listen for any exhaust leaks or clonking from the rear during the road test.