2012 Citroen DS5 2.0L Diesel · T88 UBS

The most recent DVSA examination on 29 May 2026 resulted in a PASS, though it carries advisories for wear to the nearside and offside front suspension arm rear bushes. Whilst these were deemed not excessive at the time of test, they represent a recurring theme throughout the record, having appeared as advisories in 2024 and ultimately forming part of a failure on the previous day in June 2024 when the associated lower suspension arm ball joints were deemed excessively worn. Looking at the broader trajectory, the vehicle has passed every test since that major failure in 2024, but the persistence of the front suspension bush advisories suggests progressive wear that has not yet been rectified. The mechanical trend is therefore one of borderline stability with a clear deterioration in front suspension componentry, which a prospective buyer should monitor closely as the rubber elements will continue to degrade with age and mileage accumulation. At 154,114 miles over approximately 14 years, the vehicle averages around 11,008 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and indicates regular rather than sporadic use. The MOT history reflects a consistent annual pattern with no prolonged standing periods evident, meaning corrosion through inactivity is unlikely to be a primary concern. However, the mileage is substantial in absolute terms, and components such as the clutch, dual mass flywheel if fitted to this diesel platform, turbocharger, injector wear, and engine ancillary drive items are all likely to be approaching the upper end of their serviceable life. The recorded brake pad advisory in 2023 and the oil leak advisories across multiple tests further point to a working drivetrain that has covered significant ground and is beginning to show age-related deterioration. Given the recurring front suspension arm bush advisories and the prior failure for lower suspension arm ball joints, a thorough inspection of the front axle is strongly recommended. The buyer should jack the vehicle safely and check for play in the lower wishbone joints, examine the rear bushes of the front suspension arms for cracking, splitting, or separation, and look for any weeping from the front coil springs themselves, noting that a fractured coil spring was an MOT failure in both 2023 and 2024. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to any knocking or clonking over speed humps, uneven tyre wear particularly on the inner or outer edges of the front tyres, vagueness or wandering in the steering, and any binding or juddering under braking. Given that the vehicle suffered a fractured nearside front coil spring in 2023 and an offside one in 2024, the remaining springs are operating in a high-mileage environment and should be considered as consumables likely to require imminent replacement. The track rod end replacement also evidenced in 2023 suggests general steering wear that warrants a geometry check and full steering rack assessment. Beyond the documented suspension concerns, the buyer should perform several age-appropriate physical checks regardless of the MOT outcome. Tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing and cracking given the vehicle's age, even if tread depth remains legal, and the recorded advisories for worn-on-edge front and rear tyres indicate that the geometry or suspension wear may be accelerating shoulder wear. The central front oil leak noted in 2022 and 2023 should be traced to its source, as prolonged leaks can lead to premature alternator, water pump, or belt failure if allowed to continue. Given the mileage, the timing belt interval on this diesel unit will be a critical consideration and service history must be verified to confirm it has been replaced at the manufacturer specified interval, as failure would result in catastrophic engine damage. The 12V battery, brake fluid hygroscopic degradation, and coolant condition should all be assessed in line with calendar-based servicing, and the dual mass flywheel, clutch operation, and turbocharger responsiveness warrant particular attention on test given the high accumulated mileage. Finally, the brake caliper guide pins and rear brake mechanisms should be checked for corrosion or seizing given the vehicle's age, ensuring even brake application and absence of any pulling or shuddering under pedal pressure.