2018 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · WM67 DLE

The most recent MOT test on the 2018 Citroën C1, conducted on 2025-12-24, resulted in a failure due to persistent advisories and a registration plate lamp failure, indicating that the vehicle has not met the required roadworthiness standards since that date. The trend in the MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring issues rather than a clear improvement or stability. While the 2023-10-13 test was clean, the subsequent failures in 2024-12-28 and 2025-12-24—particularly the repeated thin brake pads and damaged anti-roll bar linkages—suggest ongoing wear and potential underlying mechanical degradation. The presence of a bulging rear tyre from 2023 further underscores the need for careful scrutiny of structural and tyre integrity, especially given the vehicle’s age and the frequency of these defects. The recorded mileage of 43,613 miles for a vehicle aged eight years represents a relatively low annual usage rate of approximately 5,452 miles per annum, which may imply lighter operational demands or extended periods of inactivity. However, low mileage alone does not negate the risk of accelerated wear from prolonged standing, particularly in critical components such as brakes, suspension, and tyres. For example, standing brake systems can lead to corrosion on caliper pistons, binding discs, or warped brake pads, even if mileage is low. Similarly, anti-roll bar linkages and suspension bushes may degrade faster when a vehicle remains stationary for extended periods, as lubricants can dry out and components can seize prematurely. The combination of low mileage with a history of MOT failures suggests that the vehicle may have been subject to inconsistent maintenance or operational stress, warranting a thorough inspection to identify latent issues before they escalate. Given the recurring advisories of thin brake pads and damaged anti-roll bar linkages, the prospective buyer should prioritise a detailed inspection of the braking system, suspension, and associated linkages. On a test drive, listen for unusual noises such as grinding from worn pads, clunks or rattles from damaged anti-roll bar linkages or suspension bushes, and any vibration or pulsation that could indicate warped brake discs or uneven tyre wear. Visually inspect the brake pads for consistent thickness across both front and rear assemblies, and check for signs of corrosion or binding on the caliper pistons and brake discs. The damaged anti-roll bar linkages should be examined for play or excessive movement, which could lead to further suspension wear or alignment issues. Additionally, verify that the registration plate lamp operates simultaneously with the position lamps on both sides of the rear, as this failure was critical in the latest MOT failure. For the tyre advisories, particularly the nearside and offside front tyres worn close to the legal limit and the severe bulge in the rear tyre from 2023, the buyer should replace the affected tyres immediately to prevent further structural compromise. The bulging tyre is a serious defect that could lead to sudden failure, posing a significant safety risk. Beyond tyres, conduct a comprehensive visual and tactile inspection of the vehicle’s exterior for signs of rust, particularly around wheel arches, rocker panels, and beneath the chassis, as standing vehicles are prone to corrosion. Check the 12-volt battery for voltage output and overall health, as low mileage can sometimes mask underlying electrical issues. Finally, consider the calendar-based servicing of fluids such as coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, as these may have degraded over time due to the vehicle’s age and potential periods of inactivity. A thorough service history check, if available, would also provide valuable insight into the vehicle’s maintenance record and any past interventions.