2016 Citroen C4 1.2L Petrol · SW65 VNB

The most recent MOT test on 2026-05-08 resulted in a clean pass, marking a positive turnaround following a series of failures and advisories in the preceding months. While the vehicle’s history shows a pattern of recurring issues—particularly around the offside front wheel bearing, anti-roll bar components, and exhaust system—there is no evidence of deterioration worsening in the last test cycle. The two major failures from April 2026 (offside headlamp, CV joint boot, fractured anti-roll bar, and excessive wheel bearing play) were rectified, and the vehicle now meets all roadworthiness standards. However, the persistence of advisories—such as worn rear tyres nearing legal limits and minor suspension arm wear—suggests that while the vehicle is currently roadworthy, underlying mechanical fatigue is present and may require proactive attention. The recorded mileage of 108,968 miles for a ten-year-old Citroën C4 is consistent with a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 10,897 miles per year, which is typical for its age and class. This level of usage does not inherently indicate excessive wear, but it does imply that the vehicle has accumulated significant exposure to road conditions, particularly in suspension, braking, and drivetrain components. The absence of major mileage gaps suggests either consistent operation or periods of light use, but the lack of a service history or odometer verification means the true wear profile cannot be fully assessed. Over time, this mileage could accelerate wear on critical components like wheel bearings, suspension bushings, and exhaust systems, especially if the vehicle has been driven in harsh conditions or subjected to prolonged idling. Given the MOT history, the buyer should prioritise a thorough mechanical inspection of the following systems. First, the offside front wheel bearing and anti-roll bar linkage, which failed in multiple tests, warrant immediate attention. Signs of excessive play in the bearing may manifest as a grinding or humming noise from the wheel during acceleration or cornering, while a fractured anti-roll bar could lead to uneven suspension travel, causing clunks or a loss of ride height when driving over bumps. The CV joint boot split also indicates a compromised seal, increasing the risk of lubricant loss and increased noise or vibration from the driveshaft. Next, the exhaust system should be inspected for leaks or structural integrity, as the previous major failure suggests potential long-term corrosion or damage to the silencer or interconnecting components. Listen for unusual exhaust noises or a loss of power during acceleration, which could indicate restricted airflow or catalytic converter failure. For the rear tyres, which have been worn close to legal limits and show signs of edge wear, the buyer should replace them promptly to avoid reduced traction, hydroplaning risk, and premature tyre degradation. The perishing or cracking observed in previous tests indicates that the rubber has degraded from age or exposure to UV light, which can compromise tyre integrity and safety. Additionally, the front suspension advisories—particularly the worn suspension arm bushings—should be addressed to prevent further misalignment or binding of the steering system. On a test drive, listen for clunks or rattles from the front suspension when driving over uneven surfaces, and check for uneven tyre wear or a pull to one side of the vehicle. Finally, while the MOT history is clean in recent years, the buyer should verify the vehicle’s service records, especially for fluid changes (oil, brake fluid, coolant) and timing belt replacement, as these are critical for long-term reliability. Given the age and mileage, a 12-volt battery health check is also advisable, as prolonged standing or low demand conditions can lead to corrosion or failure. For fluid-based systems, such as the brake and cooling circuits, consider checking for signs of contamination or degradation, as these can develop over time even without active use.