2014 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · SA64 RYD

The most recent DVSA MOT test conducted on 21 October 2025 resulted in a pass, with only a single advisory recorded regarding some damage to the offside front door mirror. This represents a stable maintenance outcome for the current year and suggests the vehicle is in a roadworthy condition at the time of test. However, when evaluating the broader trend, the history shows a gradual accumulation of advisories over the past four years, beginning with clean passes in 2019, 2020, and 2023, but introducing recurring corrosion-related advisories on brake pipes and anti-roll bar linkages from 2022 onwards. The 2022 test also recorded a dangerous failure due to both front tyres being below the legal 1.6mm tread depth requirement, which is a serious safety concern indicating that tyre condition had been neglected prior to that test. While the most recent outcome is positive, the upward trend in advisory defects points to a vehicle that is beginning to show age-related wear, particularly around its underbody and suspension components, and warrants careful inspection. The recorded mileage of 153,703 miles over approximately twelve years equates to an average annual usage of around 12,800 miles, which is notably higher than typical for a city-focused vehicle like the Citroen C1. This level of mileage suggests the car has seen consistent and frequent use rather than prolonged periods of standing, which is generally beneficial for preventing certain types of age-related deterioration such as seized brakes or dried-out seals. However, high mileage places proportionally greater wear on consumable items including the clutch, braking system, suspension components, tyres, and the drivetrain. There are no significant gaps or sudden anomalies in the recorded mileage across the MOT history, which lends credibility to the odometer reading and indicates steady, continuous use throughout the vehicle's life. Prospective buyers should factor this high-mileage status into their valuation and budgeting for forthcoming maintenance, as components on a C1 approaching 160,000 miles will be approaching or past their expected service life. Given the recurring advisories relating to corrosion on the offside rear brake pipe and both front anti-roll bar linkages, a prospective buyer should arrange for a thorough underside inspection, ideally on a vehicle lift, to assess the current condition of the brake lines, suspension bushes, drop links, and anti-roll bar components. Corrosion on brake pipes is a particularly important concern as it can lead to fluid leaks and brake failure if left unaddressed, and any signs of advanced corrosion should prompt immediate replacement. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar linkages or bushes, and pay attention to any pulling under braking or a spongy brake pedal that could suggest compromised brake lines. The previous dangerous failure for severely worn front tyres, combined with the 2021 advisories for rear tyres worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, suggests the vehicle may be hard on its tyres, potentially due to misalignment, suspension wear, or driving style, and a four-wheel alignment check is advisable. Beyond the recorded defects, a vehicle of this age and high mileage warrants several additional checks even though the MOT history is relatively sparse. The 12-year-old rubber components throughout the car, including tyre sidewalls which can perish and crack from age regardless of tread depth, should be carefully examined for signs of UV degradation or hairline cracking. The 12V battery, likely well past its typical five-year service life, should be load-tested as ageing batteries can cause starting issues and electrical faults. Brake discs, which can corrode or develop lipping from high mileage and frequent stop-start urban use, should be inspected for scoring, and the calipers should be checked for seizing which is common on lightly used or ageing vehicles. Fluid services including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and manual gearbox oil are calendar-sensitive as well as mileage-sensitive, and verifying the service history stamps is essential as the C1's small engine and gearbox are particularly intolerant of neglected fluid changes. Finally, a compression test or at minimum a thorough listening check on cold start would be prudent given the high mileage, to rule out internal engine wear before committing to purchase.