2017 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · WJ17 LBZ

This Citroen C3 presents a clean bill of health on paper. The most recent MOT, conducted on 2025-06-18 at exactly 80,007 miles, passed with zero defects recorded. Looking back through the entire history, the maintenance trend is remarkably stable. The vehicle has consistently passed its annual tests without any advisories or failures, suggesting a pattern of diligent preventative maintenance rather than reactive repairs. The only anomaly in the record is a duplicate entry for 2022-06-15 at 46,098 miles, where a failed test and a passed test appear on the same date. This typically indicates a retest following a rectification of a minor initial failure, but the record shows no defects noted for either entry, making it a clerical quirk rather than a mechanical concern. The mileage accumulation tells a story of steady, typical use. Between the 2022 test at 46,098 miles and the 2024 test at 69,341 miles, the car covered roughly 11,600 miles per year. That rate held firm through to the 2025 test, adding another 10,666 miles in the final year. There are no suspicious gaps in the MOT record that would suggest the vehicle sat unused for extended periods, nor are there any sudden spikes in accumulation that might indicate high-stress motorway running. The 80,007 miles recorded today aligns perfectly with the final MOT reading, meaning the car has effectively stood still since its last test over a year ago. A buyer should verify whether this stationary period was intentional or a sign of a developing fault that prompted the owner to stop driving. Despite the clean MOT history, a physical inspection remains essential. The 2017 C3 platform is known for premature wear on front suspension lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar links, components that can pass an MOT visual check but still exhibit play under load. With 80,000 miles on the clock, the rear brake setup, particularly on non-ABS variants, should be checked for binding calipers and uneven disc wear. The exhaust system, especially the flexible section near the manifold, warrants a close look for corrosion or cracking, a common failure point on PSA PureTech engines of this era. Tyre condition and date codes should be verified, as prolonged stationary periods can cause flat-spotting and sidewall deterioration even with ample tread remaining. Structurally, the C3 is generally robust, but the rear wheel arches and sills must be inspected for the early stages of corrosion, particularly if the car has lived in a coastal or salted-road area. The PureTech 1.2-litre turbo engine demands strict adherence to oil change intervals; a service history confirming regular changes every 12,500 miles or annually is critical to avoid timing chain stretch and VANOS system issues. The dual-mass flywheel should be tested for excessive play during a test drive, listening for rattling on deceleration that signals imminent failure. A clean MOT record is encouraging, but it is not a substitute for a thorough mechanical inspection on a nine-year-old supermini.