2012 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · SX62 BWK

The most recent MOT history for this Citroën C1 reveals a concerning pattern of deferred maintenance, with the vehicle failing its October 2025 test on critical safety and emissions failures before narrowly passing the subsequent retest. The October 2025 failure highlighted a defective offside parking brake, inefficient brake performance (less than 50% efficiency), and an exhaust Lambda reading outside compliance limits—all of which suggest either neglect or repeated short-term fixes. While the October 2025 retest cleared these issues, the 2024 failures were far more extensive, exposing structural and suspension vulnerabilities that should have been addressed before the vehicle reached its current mileage. The recurring advisories on the rear lower engine mounting and front anti-roll bar linkage indicate a lack of consistent attention to critical components, raising doubts about whether underlying issues have been properly resolved. The mileage progression of 119,008 miles today reflects a steady but unremarkable usage rate, averaging around 8,500 miles annually—a figure typical for a vehicle of this age. However, the gaps between tests are notable: the 2024 failures occurred just three days apart, followed by a near-year gap until the 2025 retest, which itself was delayed by five days after the initial failure. This suggests either inconsistent test scheduling or repeated attempts to pass without addressing root causes. The absence of MOT tests between September 2023 and October 2024—despite the vehicle accumulating nearly 15,000 miles—further implies that the car may have operated without legal compliance for an extended period, potentially masking worsening mechanical conditions. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system, particularly the offside parking brake and rear calipers, as the 2025 failure indicated persistent inefficiency. The 2024 advisories on the front anti-roll bar linkage and ball joints, along with the insecure near-side rear axle due to corrosion, demand immediate attention—these are components that degrade silently and can compromise handling or stability. Suspension bushes, coil springs, and binding calipers should also be checked for uneven wear or corrosion, especially given the front tyres’ history of tread issues and edge wear. The rear lower engine mounting, repeatedly flagged as damaged, may indicate a broader structural concern, warranting inspection for alignment or subframe integrity. Tyres remain a recurring weak point; failing twice on tread depth suggests basic upkeep was overlooked, and the current legal compliance does not guarantee future reliability.