2021 Citroen C4 Shine Puretech S/S 1.2L Petrol · S77 CBB

The most recent MOT conducted on 16 March 2026 resulted in a pass, although it introduced an advisory regarding tyre damage, cracking, or perishing across all four tyres. When reviewing the preceding two years of testing in 2024 and 2025, the vehicle maintained a clean record with no defects noted. This indicates a generally stable maintenance history, though the recent advisory marks a transition from a pristine record to the onset of age-related consumable degradation. The recorded mileage of 17,614 miles for a five-year-old vehicle represents an exceptionally low annual usage rate of approximately 3,523 miles. While this low mileage suggests minimal wear on high-friction components such as the engine internals, gearbox, and suspension bushes, it also implies the vehicle has likely spent extended periods stationary. Low-use vehicles are susceptible to specific mechanical issues that do not correlate with mileage, such as the hardening of rubber components, the degradation of chemical additives in fluids, and the potential for brake components to seize or corrode from a lack of regular thermal cycling. The advisory regarding tyre perishing is a significant point for inspection. Because the tyres are showing signs of cracking, they are likely suffering from UV degradation and ozone damage, which can compromise structural integrity. During a test drive, listen for rhythmic thumping or increased road noise, and feel for any steering oscillations that might suggest irregular tread wear or internal tyre carcass failure. You should visually inspect the sidewalls for deep fissures and be prepared for the immediate capital expenditure of a full tyre replacement, as tread depth alone is not a reliable indicator of safety once perishing has commenced. Furthermore, you must verify that the vehicle has been serviced according to the manufacturer's time-based intervals rather than solely on mileage. It is essential to check the service book for annual stamps to ensure that engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant have been replaced to prevent chemical breakdown. Inspect the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or pitting and check the calipers for signs of binding, which can occur when a vehicle is not driven frequently enough to clear debris and prevent oxidation. Finally, test the 12V battery's ability to hold a charge and inspect all rubber hoses and seals for signs of drying or weeping, which are common symptoms of a vehicle that has seen infrequent road use.