2009 Citroen C1 1.0L Petrol · WR09 OTV

The Citroen C1 presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 24 June 2025 at 67,009 miles with zero defects recorded. That result followed a same-day pre-test failure where the tester flagged four distinct issues: an inoperative rear registration plate lamp, a non-working nearside front position lamp, a structural tear in the offside rear tyre carcass, and front brake pads worn below the 1.5 mm minimum thickness threshold. The fact that all four were rectified before the pass test suggests the previous owner addressed immediate failures rather than ignoring them. The 2024 test also shows a failure on 3 July at 64,979 miles for an exhaust leak affecting emissions, followed by a clean pass the next day at 64,985 miles. This pattern of failing and promptly fixing indicates reactive maintenance rather than proactive servicing, but the most recent clean sheet is a positive sign for current roadworthiness. The mileage profile is notably low for a 2009 vehicle. At 67,009 miles over roughly 17 years, the annual average sits at approximately 3,942 miles. The record shows a jump of 8,624 miles between the June 2023 test at 56,361 miles and the July 2024 test at 64,979 miles, representing a single year of heavier use after a period of very light running. The mileage then barely moved, adding only 30 miles between the July 2024 failure and the June 2025 pass. This suggests the car has recently been sitting for extended periods or used only for short local trips, which can cause its own issues such as brake disc surface corrosion, tyre flat-spotting, and fuel system condensation. A buyer inspecting this C1 in person should pay close attention to the front brake discs and rear tyre condition, given the June 2025 failure flagged both a structural tyre defect and critically worn pads. Check the offside rear sidewall carefully for any signs of bulging, perishing, or recurring damage. The exhaust system also warrants a thorough visual check underneath for corrosion or leaking joints, particularly around the manifold and catalytic converter, as the 2024 failure was specifically attributed to an exhaust leak skewing emissions. With the car covering so few miles annually, inspect the underside for surface rust on suspension components, brake lines, and subframe mounting points, as short journeys accelerate corrosion on vehicles that never fully warm up. Test all exterior lamps before purchase, as the rear plate lamp and nearside position lamp failures suggest possible electrical connector corrosion or a simple bulb neglect pattern rather than a serious wiring fault.