2008 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · ST08 RPO

A clear pattern of chronic front suspension wear dominates this Citroen C1's MOT record, with anti-roll bar components flagged in every test from 2017 onwards and culminating in a dangerous defect at the December 2021 test where the offside front anti-roll bar linkage was recorded as snapped and likely to detach. Front lower suspension arm rear bushes were also classified as excessively worn at the November 2020 retest, alongside both front brake caliper binding on the nearside rear. The most recent recorded test on 29 December 2021 returned a pass, but the advisories at that same visit repeated the same nearside and offside front suspension arm bush wear that had previously failed, suggesting these components are steadily deteriorating rather than being rectified between tests. Two PRS lamp failures in November 2017 and a minor registration plate lamp issue in November 2020 indicate recurring minor electrical defects rather than systemic faults. Across nine recorded tests there are three failures and a steady stream of advisories rather than a clean roadworthiness narrative. Annual mileage of roughly 5,945 miles over the vehicle's eighteen year life is notably low for its age, yet the MOT record begins only in 2017, meaning the first decade of the car's life is not documented in the testing data. The recorded mileage progression between tests shows modest year-on-year accumulation consistent with light urban or suburban use, and there are no multi-year gaps to suggest prolonged periods off the road. However, the low annual mileage combined with the visible corrosion advisories on rear brake pipes, both rear sills, rear subframe mounting areas, front and rear subframes, and an offside rear coil spring points to age-related oxidisation rather than mileage-driven wear as the primary degradation mechanism. Standing periods combined with damp conditions are well known to accelerate underbody corrosion on small French superminis of this era, particularly on exposed brake lines and structural seams. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension assembly should be treated as the priority inspection area, with particular attention to the anti-roll bar drop links and the rear bushes of the front lower suspension arms, both of which have failed or been repeatedly flagged. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front wheels over uneven road surfaces, particularly over speed humps and potholes, and feel for imprecise steering with any vagueness through the straight-ahead position. The nearside rear brake binding recorded in 2020 warrants a check that the rear calipers are releasing fully when the pedal is released, which can manifest as a dragging sensation, rear wheel hot spots after driving, or uneven braking effort. Inspect the underbody carefully for corrosion progression on the rear brake pipes, particularly along the pipe runs where they pass near the rear subframe mounting points, as the 2019 advisory noted these were already covered in grease and showing surface corrosion that may now be more advanced. The exhaust system previously showed a minor gas leak at the 2021 test and should be examined for any hissing noises at idle or soot deposits around joints. The subframe corrosion advisories from 2018, combined with the rear sill damage noted in 2019, indicate the structural undercarriage requires close scrutiny with a torch and ideally a ramp inspection, as corrosion in these areas can progress to a fail category if left unchecked. Front brake discs were noted as pitted in 2017 and brake pads were wearing thin across multiple tests, so expect renewed attention to the front braking system. Given the recurring pattern of suspension and underbody issues, a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107/108 platforms would be prudent to assess the current state of the anti-roll bar, suspension arms, brake pipes and subframes before committing to purchase.