2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso 1.6L Diesel · WR09 OTS

The 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT on 12 July 2025 at 108,950 miles passed, but the braking system remains a persistent concern. Both the parking brake and service brake efficiency only just met the minimum standard, with the tester explicitly noting the system requires adjustment or repair. Front brake discs were worn, pitted or scored, and both front and rear pads were flagged as wearing thin. Corrosion on both rear coil springs also appeared for the first time in the record, marking a new structural concern alongside the long-running brake wear trend. The overall maintenance pattern is stable but unresolved, with brake issues recurring annually and suspension corrosion now emerging. The mileage progression is consistent and typical for a 17-year-old vehicle. From 94,646 miles in July 2022 to 108,950 miles in July 2025, the car covered roughly 14,300 miles over three years, averaging around 4,770 miles annually. This is slightly below the 6,409 miles per year implied by the total age and recorded mileage, suggesting the car may have seen lighter recent use or spent periods standing. The MOT record shows no significant gaps, with annual tests completed each July, indicating regular roadworthiness checks. Buyers should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system. The repeated advisories on worn, pitted front brake discs and thinning pads across multiple years suggest the braking components have been running close to their limits for some time. A close check of disc thickness, pad material remaining, and caliper operation is essential, particularly given the marginal brake efficiency results in the latest test. The parking brake performance also warrants attention, as an efficiency reading that only just meets the standard often points to stretched cables, seized mechanisms, or uneven adjustment. The suspension and structural condition deserve equal scrutiny. Corrosion on both rear coil springs in the 2025 test is a notable escalation from earlier years, when only the front springs were flagged. Coil spring corrosion can lead to reduced ride height, uneven handling, and in worst cases, spring fracture. The 2022 advisory for slight play in the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint should also be re-checked, as worn linkages contribute to clunking, vague steering, and uneven tyre wear. A pre-purchase inspection should include a close visual check of all suspension mounting points, subframe mounting areas, and the exhaust system, given the recurring minor oil leak advisories that may point to deteriorating gaskets or seals.