2016 Citroen C1 1.2L Petrol · SD16 RCF

The most recent DVSA examination on 5 May 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded; however, a separate failure was logged on the same date which should be scrutinised. The Major items included an insecure front exhaust system and an offside front tyre with a cut deep enough to expose the ply or cords, alongside an advisory for a nail in the nearside front tyre. Looking at the broader trend, the vehicle has demonstrated a consistent pattern of advisories accumulating across multiple test cycles rather than showing improvement, with brake, suspension, and tyre issues appearing progressively over 2023, 2024 and 2025. Although each annual pass suggests the car remains roadworthy, the recurring nature of component wear items indicates that several consumable and chassis parts are nearing the end of their service life and warrant close attention. With approximately 38,374 miles recorded over ten years, this Citroen C1 has covered an average of around 3,800 miles annually, which is notably low for the vehicle's age and points to either predominantly light urban use or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage typically results in less wear on major drivetrain components but can conversely accelerate age-related degradation of items that suffer from inactivity, including brake disc surface corrosion, binding calipers, perished rubber components, and 12V battery deterioration. The mileage progression across the MOT records appears steady rather than showing sudden accumulations, which is reassuring and consistent with a vehicle used for short, regular journeys rather than long-distance motorway driving. Given the advisories recorded at the 2025 test for both front brake discs wearing, nearside front brake pads described as very thin, and wear to both front anti-roll bar linkage pins or bushes, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front braking and suspension systems. On a test drive, listen for any clunks or knocks from the front end when traversing uneven surfaces or speed humps, which would suggest the anti-roll bar bushes have worn beyond advisory tolerance. Check the brake pedal feel for any excessive travel or sponginess, and during the test drive, observe for any pulling to one side, vibration through the steering wheel under braking, or grinding noises that might indicate the worn pads have now reached the discs or that the discs themselves require replacement. Additionally, the 2024 advisories for both front suspension arm pins or bushes, combined with the 2025 anti-roll bar linkage advisories, suggest the front suspension is due for a comprehensive refresh; a bouncy or unsettled ride quality, uneven tyre wear across the front axle, or wandering steering would be warning symptoms. Beyond the recorded defects, the very low mileage and ten-year age of this C1 demand careful inspection of items that deteriorate with time rather than use. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing or cracking, particularly on the rear axle given the 2023 advisory for nearside rear tyre sidewall cracking; aged tyres can fail suddenly despite retaining legal tread depth. The exhaust system that was recently flagged as insecure should be physically inspected for hangers, rubber mounts, and joint integrity, as corrosion at mounting points is common on vehicles of this age. The 12V battery is highly likely to be original or near-original and should be load-tested, as low-mileage vehicles with frequent short trips rarely allow full charging. Finally, verify the service history stamps to confirm time-based replacement of brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil, as calendar-age degradation of these fluids can compromise braking performance and engine protection irrespective of the odometer reading.