2015 Citroen C3 1.6L Diesel · ST15 FJF

The most recent MOT, carried out on 15 April 2026, was passed but returned several advisories concerning the front brake disc, corrosion on both front brake pipes and wear on the off‑side front suspension arm pin/bush. Over the past three years the vehicle has moved from a mixture of major failures (missing seat‑belt buckle, headlamp aim, rear lamp outages and severely worn front brake disc) to a situation where the test is now passed, albeit with a growing list of wear‑related advisories. This suggests that the immediate safety‑critical items have been addressed, yet the underlying wear patterns are persisting, indicating a maintenance trend that is stabilising but still requires proactive attention to prevent recurrence of major defects. At 89,359 mi the car has averaged roughly 8,100 mi per annum since its 2015 registration, which sits comfortably within the UK norm for a small hatchback. The mileage does not point to excessive use, but the relatively modest annual distance combined with the vehicle’s age raises the possibility of periods of low utilisation or extended storage. Such conditions can accelerate rubber perishing, battery sulphation and corrosion of metal components, while still allowing normal wear on brake discs and suspension bushes to accumulate gradually. When inspecting the car, give particular focus to the braking system. Measure the front disc thickness against the manufacturer’s minimum – the repeated advisory for pitting and scoring suggests the discs are approaching the end of their service life and may soon require replacement together with the pads. Examine the brake hoses and flexi pipes for any signs of external corrosion, cracking or fluid seepage, and feel the pedal for any sponginess or excessive travel that could indicate internal hose degradation. On a test drive listen for any front‑wheel clunk or vibration when braking, and check for a steady, firm pedal feel. The off‑side front suspension arm pin or bush should be checked for play by rocking the wheel at the 12 o’clock position; any noticeable movement or knocking over bumps would confirm the advisory’s concern and may necessitate bush replacement. Beyond the brakes, verify that all external lighting functions correctly – the near‑side headlamp aim, rear position and stop lamps were previously failed, so ensure the aim is within legal limits and the bulbs illuminate fully. Confirm the rear exhaust heat‑shield is securely fastened to avoid rattles and potential under‑tray damage. Inspect the tyres for sidewall cracking, perishing or uneven edge wear, especially on the fronts where earlier advisories noted damage; tread depth should be at least 1.6 mm across the tyre. Given the vehicle’s age, test the 12 V battery voltage under load and look for any signs of corrosion on terminals, and inquire whether the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended intervals, as time‑based fluid degradation can affect reliability even on a low‑mileage car. A thorough visual check of the seat‑belt buckle assembly and any rust on chassis members will round off a comprehensive pre‑purchase evaluation.