2017 Citroen C1 1.2L Petrol · SL67 SCX

The most recent DVSA examination on 13 November 2025 resulted in a Pass, although two advisories were issued relating to the tyres. The front pair were noted as worn close to the legal limit and wearing slightly on the inner edge, while both rear tyres exhibited slight cracking or perishing in the tread. Looking at the broader trend, the vehicle has passed consistently since the 2022 failure, and aside from tyre-related observations there has been no recurrence of the brake-related issues which caused that earlier failure. The maintenance pattern therefore appears stable rather than deteriorating, but the persistence of tyre advisories across consecutive tests suggests that wheel alignment or suspension geometry may be worth investigating, as consistent inner-edge wear is a classic indicator of either misalignment or worn suspension components. The recorded mileage of 30,547 miles over approximately nine years equates to an average of around 3,394 miles annually, which is well below the typical usage rate for a city car of this type. Such low annual mileage strongly suggests extended periods of standing or only short, infrequent journeys, which carries its own set of mechanical implications. Brake discs and calipers are particularly susceptible to corrosion when a vehicle is left unused, as surface rust develops rapidly and can lead to binding, a phenomenon that may well have contributed to the nearside front caliper seizure recorded in November 2022. Similarly, low-mileage usage tends to produce glazed or under-worked brake pads, accelerated tyre sidewall perishing due to age rather than wear, and premature degradation of fluids that rely on regular thermal cycling to remain serviceable. Given the age of this Citroen C1 and its low-mileage profile, a prospective buyer should carry out several physical checks beyond the MOT certificate. Begin by closely inspecting all tyre sidewalls for cracking, brittleness, or perishing between the tread grooves and along the sidewall flex area, as the recorded advisories confirm that perishing is already present on the rear pair and replacement is likely imminent. Examine the brake discs visually through the wheel apertures for obvious lipping, scoring, or heavy surface corrosion, and on a test drive listen for scraping or grinding noises from the front end which would suggest a binding caliper. With the vehicle stationary, try to rock each front wheel by hand at the top and bottom to detect any play in the wheel bearing or suspension linkages, and pay attention to any clonks or knocks from the front suspension when traversing speed humps or uneven surfaces, as low-mileage cars can develop seized or perished suspension bushes. Further checks should focus on time-served components rather than mileage-served ones. The 12-volt battery is a common failure point on lightly-used vehicles and should be load-tested, as standing partially charged for long periods significantly shortens battery life. Verify the service book history and confirm that the cambelt has been replaced in line with the manufacturer's schedule, as age rather than mileage is the critical factor for this component on a 2017 model. Inspect the underside and around suspension components for any surface corrosion consistent with standing water or road salt exposure, and check the exhaust system for corrosion at the mounting points and joints, which on older city cars often deteriorates ahead of the natural MOT cycle. Finally, ensure that engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and the manual transmission fluid have all been changed according to calendar intervals, as a low-mileage history does not exempt any of these services and outdated fluid can be just as detrimental as worn mechanical components.