2013 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · RO13 DPE

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 22 June 2026, albeit with two advisories relating to perished anti-roll bar linkage pins or bushes at the front, both nearside and offside. Looking at the broader history, the car has passed every test since 2020, with only one failure recorded, on 21 June 2024, which was caused by a dangerous nearside rear tyre tear due to structural separation. The general trajectory is one of broadly stable roadworthiness, but it is worth noting that advisories have become more frequent and slightly more concerning in the past two years, shifting from minor brake binding observations in 2024 to perished suspension components in 2026. This pattern suggests a vehicle that has been generally maintained to a pass standard but is now showing the early signs of age-related wear on suspension consumables. With 78,148 miles recorded over approximately thirteen years, this C1 has covered around 6,011 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a small city car of its age. There are no significant gaps or sudden spikes in the recorded mileage, indicating reasonably consistent usage rather than long periods of standing or unusually high motorway accumulation. This kind of moderate, steady usage pattern is generally favourable mechanically, as it avoids both the corrosion risks associated with low-use urban cars and the accelerated wear on clutches, brakes, and suspension associated with very high mileage. However, at this cumulative figure the timing belt, clutch, and certain wear items on a 2013 C1 should be approaching or past their typical service intervals. The recurring advisories on front brake binding are notable, having appeared at both the 2024 and 2025 tests. While not yet excessive, this points to front caliper slide pins or guide surfaces beginning to seize, a common issue on cars of this age, particularly those used for short urban journeys where the brakes generate little heat to keep components dry and free-moving. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or rubbing noise from the front wheels when the car is first moved after standing, and feel for the car pulling to one side under braking or for a reluctance of the brake pedal to return smoothly. Given that the binding has now been flagged at two consecutive tests, the prospective buyer should anticipate caliper cleaning or rebuild within the next service interval, particularly if the car is used predominantly in town. The perished anti-roll bar bushes noted in 2026 will, in time, allow more body roll and may produce clonking noises over speed bumps or during sharper cornering; a visual inspection underneath for cracked or crumbling rubber, along with a road test over uneven surfaces, is strongly recommended. Beyond the recorded advisories, a thirteen year old C1 warrants a thorough age-related inspection regardless of its favourable mileage profile. Check all tyres, including the rear pair, for sidewall cracking and perishing, as rubber degrades with calendar age even when tread depth remains legal, and replace any tyre over six years old regardless of appearance. Examine the exhaust system, including the cat box and rear silencer, for surface corrosion, given its proximity to the rear wheel arch and the typical UK winter road salt exposure. Verify the age of the 12V battery, as units beyond five years frequently fail without warning, particularly in cars with infrequent long runs. The cooling system, brake fluid, and manual gearbox or automatic transmission fluid should all be considered time-served and due for renewal on age rather than mileage alone. Finally, request evidence of the timing belt and water pump replacement, as this is a critical service item on small petrol engines of this era, and inspect the rear axle and suspension for any surface corrosion, as the C1, like its Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 108 sisters, is known to suffer from rust in the structural areas around the rear wheels if previously operated in damp or coastal conditions.