2017 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · WN17 FFC

The most recent DVSA examination on 19 September 2025 resulted in a Pass for this 2017 Citroen C3, although the test recorded several advisories that warrant close attention from a prospective buyer. The front suspension has been flagged consistently across multiple tests, with near side and off side front suspension arm pins or bushes noted as worn but not yet resulting in excessive movement in 2023, 2024, and again in 2025, alongside a near side front anti-roll bar pin or bush advisory at the latest test. Front brake disc wear was also highlighted in 2025, which directly follows rear brake disc pitting advisories in 2021 and 2022 and rear brake pad wear advisories in 2022, suggesting that brake component degradation is progressing steadily across the vehicle. Although there are no recorded failures or dangerous defects, the trend is one of gradual, predictable deterioration in consumables and suspension items rather than active improvement, and the pattern indicates that the next twelve to eighteen months could bring further advisories turning into test defects if no corrective work is carried out. With 77,296 miles recorded over approximately nine years, this C3 averages around 8,588 miles per year, which sits broadly within the typical range for a car of this age and segment, neither unusually low nor excessively high. There are no obvious large gaps between MOT tests that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, nor any evidence of rapid mileage accumulation that might indicate motorway fleet use. That said, the consistent year-on-year advisory pattern, particularly around suspension bushes and brake discs, is consistent with the kind of wear one would expect from a vehicle that has seen regular mixed-use driving rather than gentle low-mileage retirement. Given the age of the vehicle and its mileage, attention should also be paid to time-based degradation items that do not always show in MOT data, including cambelt or timing chain condition, cooling system health, and exhaust corrosion, especially given the reported advisory on tyre cracking and perishing which suggests the car may spend periods outdoors. From a buyer inspection perspective, the recurring suspension advisories are the most pressing area to evaluate physically, as perished or worn suspension bushes on a C3 of this generation commonly manifest as clonking or knocking noises over speed humps and uneven surfaces, vague or wandering steering, and uneven inner or outer tyre wear. A thorough test drive should include driving over broken surfaces with the windows down to listen for front end noise, and a careful inspection of the front and rear tyres for uneven shoulder wear patterns. Given the brake disc and pad advisories, the buyer should also expect to budget for replacement of the front brake discs and pads imminently, as the 2025 advisory indicates they are nearing the end of their service life, and ideally a brake fluid change should be confirmed given the vehicle's age. The rear brake discs, first flagged in 2021 and 2022, may now also require attention depending on their rate of wear, and any brake shudder or vibration through the pedal under firm braking should be taken as confirmation that disc replacement is due. Beyond the advisory items, several age and usage-related checks should be carried out before purchase. The recorded tyre cracking and perishing advisories from 2023 and 2024, even after a tyre change, point to the car being stored outside, so all four tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing regardless of tread depth, as aged rubber can fail suddenly even when legal. The 12-volt battery on a nine-year-old vehicle is almost certainly due for replacement, and its condition should be tested rather than assumed. Inspect the underside and wheel arches for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and brake lines, as the combination of standing periods and UK winters can accelerate structural surface corrosion. Finally, verify the service history stamps to confirm that essential interval-based items such as engine oil and filter changes, spark plugs, and any timing or auxiliary belt replacement have been carried out at the correct mileage intervals, as this C3 is now at an age where such items become critical to long-term reliability and value.