2012 Citroen C3 1.4L Diesel · SL12 OAD

The Citroën C3’s most recent MOT history demonstrates a stable roadworthiness pattern, though the March 2026 failure—just one day before its subsequent pass—raises questions about procedural oversight rather than mechanical failure. The vehicle passed its last test on 26 March 2026 at 105,488 miles with no recorded defects, yet the preceding day’s failure at 105,473 miles suggests an administrative or logistical anomaly rather than a recurring mechanical issue. No advisories or defects have appeared in any of the five recorded tests since February 2025, indicating the vehicle has not experienced persistent faults requiring attention. However, the near-consecutive tests in early 2026 warrant scrutiny of whether the vehicle was driven between tests or if the failure was a one-off administrative error. The recorded mileage of 105,488 miles over 14 years aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, averaging around 7,500 miles annually. There are no significant gaps or spikes in mileage accumulation, though the interval between the April 2023 (79,177 miles) and March 2024 (80,398 miles) tests—just under a year—suggests consistent, moderate use without prolonged periods of inactivity. This pattern reduces concerns about excessive wear from neglect but does not preclude standard age-related deterioration in suspension components, brake systems, or corrosion-prone areas. Given the lack of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear areas such as the suspension bushes and coil springs, particularly at the rear where binding or uneven wear is common in this model. The brakes, including caliper binding and disc thickness, should be checked for uneven wear or corrosion, especially if the vehicle has been driven in wet conditions. Structural integrity, particularly around the wheel arches and sills, should be examined for signs of corrosion or rust penetration, as this is a critical failure point in vehicles of this age. The exhaust system and catalytic converter should also be inspected for leaks or excessive corrosion, as these are frequent failure points in older Citroën models.