2016 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · SP16 YOO

A front‑suspension fracture dominates this car’s recent MOT story: the off‑side front coil spring was recorded as broken in the 2025 test, a serious safety issue that required immediate rectification, while the same period also saw recurring advisories for rear‑wheel distortion and rear sub‑frame corrosion. The 2026 MOT passed, but the advisory on the rear sub‑frame remains, indicating that the corrosion has not progressed to a structural failure yet. Overall the trend shows a major failure followed by a clean pass, yet the lingering advisories suggest that the vehicle’s suspension and rear chassis areas have been under stress and merit close scrutiny. At just 48,681 miles after ten years, the average annual mileage sits near 4,900 miles, well below the typical UK usage rate. Such low mileage often points to light, possibly intermittent use, which can be gentle on wear items but may also imply periods of inactivity that can allow corrosion to develop, as seen on the rear sub‑frame. The MOT record is complete with no gaps, confirming the car has been regularly inspected each year, so the mileage figure is reliable and not the result of odometer tampering. The broken front coil spring means the front suspension geometry was compromised; any replacement should include the associated damper, anti‑roll bar link, and mounting bushings, and the alignment must be re‑checked. On a test drive, listen for clunking or knocking over bumps, feel for any looseness in the steering column, and watch for uneven front tyre wear that could signal lingering issues. The near‑side rear inner wheel advisory, repeated in 2023 and 2024, suggests the rim may be out of true or has suffered impact damage; inspect the wheel for wobble, check tyre sidewalls for cupping, and verify that the wheel is balanced and free of cracks before committing. The rear sub‑frame corrosion advisory, while not yet a failure, warrants a visual inspection of the sub‑frame rails, mounting bolts, and surrounding body panels for rust penetration or flaking. Any signs of rust spreading to mounting points could affect rear suspension mounting and overall chassis rigidity. If the seller has not addressed the corrosion, budgeting for rust treatment or reinforcement is prudent. In summary, the car’s low mileage is attractive, but the major front‑spring failure, persistent rear‑wheel distortion, and sub‑frame rust together represent a repair package that should be quantified and factored into the purchase price, with a thorough post‑repair road test to confirm that the suspension and chassis are sound.