2013 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · WM13 AXA

A pattern of minor electrical and lighting defects defines the roadworthiness history of this 2013 Citroen C1, with multiple MOT entries flagging non-functional bulbs, indicators, and windscreen washers. The 2026 test produced both a pass and a fail on the same day, with the failure citing an inoperative front washer and offside side repeater alongside an offside front direction indicator. This mirrors earlier defects from 2021, when a failed test recorded insufficient washer liquid and an offside headlamp not working on dipped beam, with the offside headlamp aim consequently not tested. A 2024 failure further added both front position lamps as not working. Across the five recorded tests there have been three failures, all clustered around exterior lighting and washer function rather than structural or braking concerns, and the latest pass with no advisories suggests these have been attended to. The 2024 advisory noting offside front service brake binding is the only braking-related item of note and warrants attention during inspection. Annual mileage accumulation on this C1 is broadly typical for its age, with 87,885 recorded miles across roughly thirteen years equating to around 6,760 miles per year. There is a notable two-year gap between the 2022 February test and the 2024 August test, which could indicate a period off the road with the vehicle possibly SORN, though the mileage progression between recorded tests appears consistent with gradual accumulation rather than sudden spikes. The earlier advisories concerning nearside and offside front tyres worn close to legal limit with edge wear and sidewall splitting, along with a damaged nearside front road wheel, are consistent with a vehicle that has accumulated mileage on its consumable rubber components. Two tests have also recorded child seats fitted that prevented full inspection of the adult belt, which limits what can be determined about rear seatbelt condition from the records. For a prospective buyer, the binding offside front brake flagged in 2024 is a specific component to evaluate on a test drive. With the vehicle cold, listen for any grinding, scraping, or squealing from the offside front corner as you pull away, and feel for the brake pedal returning smoothly without a sticky or notched sensation. On a low-speed application of the brakes, watch for the car pulling markedly to the nearside, which would suggest the offside caliper is not releasing correctly. Given the recurring electrical defects, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should verify operation of every exterior bulb, both front position lamps, the offside headlamp dipped beam, the offside front direction indicator, the offside side repeater, and confirm the windscreen washer delivers a strong jet to the screen rather than a dribble. The tyre and wheel advisories from 2022 indicate that the front axle has historically been a wear zone, so close inspection of the current tyres is essential, paying particular attention to inner and outer edge wear patterns that could point to worn front suspension components such as track rod ends, wishbone bushes, or drop links. The C1 platform shares components with the Peugeot 107 and Toyota Aygo, and on a test drive any clonking or knocking from the front over bumps, or vague wandering through corners, would warrant closer examination of the front suspension geometry. Lift the nearside front wheel and check for play at the wheel bearings and check the wheel itself for any cracks or distortion that might relate to the previously damaged road wheel. Finally, with the engine running from cold, listen for any timing chain rattle characteristic of the 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit and ensure the engine bay is free from any oil misting or leaks that might develop with higher mileage.