2016 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · SW66 FJX

The most recent MOT on 18 August 2026 was a clean pass with no recorded defects, but the test history shows a significant fluctuation in condition. A major failure a fortnight earlier highlighted a parking‑brake efficiency shortfall, dangerously low tread on the off‑side front tyre and split constant‑velocity boots on both front drive‑shaft joints. Earlier advisories in 2025 and 2023 centred on front track‑rod ball‑joint play and progressive tyre cracking on the rear and off‑side front. While the latest pass suggests that the immediate safety‑critical items have been remedied, the recurrence of tyre and CV‑boot concerns points to a maintenance trend that is only marginally improving and still requires close scrutiny. At ten years old the car has logged 64 411 miles, an average of roughly 6 400 miles per annum, which is well below the typical UK usage of eight to ten thousand miles a year. Such modest annual mileage often indicates long periods of low utilisation or storage, which can accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber components, battery plates and corrosion‑prone metalwork. The relatively low mileage does not automatically guarantee good condition; rather, it shifts the risk profile toward calendar‑based wear rather than purely mileage‑based wear, meaning that items such as tyres, seals and fluids may be nearing the end of their service lives despite the modest odometer reading. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular attention to the front constant‑velocity boots and the surrounding CV joints; look for any oil seepage, cracked boot material or splatter of grease on the wheel hub, and listen for a whine or vibration when accelerating from a standstill, which would indicate joint contamination. Verify that the parking‑brake lever holds firm and that the hand‑brake engages without excessive travel, as a weak brake can reappear under load. Examine the front track‑rod end for any looseness by applying firm pressure to the wheel at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions; any clunk or excessive play suggests the ball joint is approaching failure. The tyre tread depths should be measured with a tread depth gauge; the off‑side front must be well above the legal 1.6 mm limit and free of edge‑wear, while the rear and near‑side tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking, perishing or bulges that can develop unnoticed during low‑usage periods. Any uneven wear patterns may reveal mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes, so a quick visual check of the lower control‑arm bushings for cracks or oil stains is advisable. Finally, because the car has spent considerable time idle, request a thorough check of the 12‑volt battery (load test and electrolyte level), the brake fluid (colour and age, with a replacement if more than two years old), the coolant (proper concentration and absence of rust), and the engine oil (level, colour and any metallic particles). Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding, as standing can allow pistons to seize. Confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service at the manufacturer’s intervals, and that any previous CV‑boot or tyre replacements are documented. A test drive should be free of steering pull, suspension clunks over bumps, brake shudder on initial application and any unusual noises from the drivetrain; any of these symptoms would warrant immediate professional diagnosis before committing to purchase.