2002 Citroen C5 2.2L Diesel · WF52 CFN

A long-standing windscreen damage issue dominates this 2002 Citroen C5's MOT history, having been flagged at every single recorded test from 2014 through 2021. While the damage has consistently been classified as either advisory or minor and has not adversely affected the driver's view, the persistence of this single defect across an eight-year window suggests the screen has never been replaced. Beyond the glazing, the rest of the record is notably sparse, with only a single additional advisory recorded in 2016 noting play in the offside steering rack inner joint. The most recent test on 15 December 2021 resulted in a pass, continuing the unbroken run of passes that stretches back to at least 2014, though the absence of any recorded tests between 2021 and 2026 is itself a significant consideration that must be reconciled with the current date and recorded mileage of 138,187 miles. The recorded mileage of 138,187 miles against the vehicle's approximate 24-year age equates to an average of around 5,758 miles per year, which is well below typical annual accumulations for a car of this vintage. However, the MOT history supplied only covers the period from 2014 to 2021, representing a significant five-year gap with no recorded test activity. During this unrecorded period, the vehicle may have covered considerable mileage or conversely may have been laid up, either of which carries distinct mechanical implications. The lack of any documented test results between late 2021 and the present date means there is no official verification of the vehicle's roadworthy condition for that entire interval, and the current MOT status is therefore unknown from these records alone. A prospective buyer should verify the current MOT certificate independently and clarify whether the vehicle has been in regular use, lightly used, or stored for extended periods during this gap. Given the low annual mileage and the possibility of extended storage, particular attention should be paid to items that deteriorate through lack of use. The 2016 advisory regarding play in the offside steering rack inner joint is a concern, as steering rack wear on a Citroen C5 of this age can progress to noticeable looseness, knocking over uneven surfaces, or uneven tyre wear. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over bumps, check for vague or inconsistent steering response, and inspect the inner edges of the front tyres for uneven feathering. Given the model's known susceptibility to hydropneumatic suspension wear, any test drive should include checks for the vehicle sitting level at all four corners when stationary, slow sagging after the engine is switched off, and harsh or uneven ride quality that could indicate failing spheres or strut seals. The persistent windscreen damage, while not currently a test failure, is worth examining physically to ensure it has not progressed to a point where it would now fail on stone chip size or driver visibility grounds. The C5 platform is also well known for corrosion on the rear suspension arms, subframe mounting points, and brake pipes, none of which appear in the supplied MOT record but which are common to vehicles of this age and low usage profile. A thorough pre-purchase inspection should include a careful examination of the underbody for any surface or structural corrosion, a check of all brake pipes for signs of rust or weeping, and a close look at the rear axle and trailing arm bushes for cracking or deterioration. Additionally, the age of the vehicle means that timing belts, coolant, and hydraulic fluid for the suspension system may be well beyond their recommended service intervals, and documentary evidence of recent replacement work on these items would be highly advisable given the gap in recorded testing history.