2011 Citroen DS3 1.6L Petrol · YB11 RTO

The Citroën DS3’s most recent MOT test on 2025-09-26 confirms it passed without defects at 104,301 miles, though it failed the prior test just four days earlier at 104,294 miles—an unusual but technically compliant sequence. The absence of advisories or recurring faults across all five tests suggests no persistent mechanical issues, but the near-consecutive fail and pass at identical mileages raises suspicion of a temporary oversight rather than genuine roadworthiness. The 2024 and 2023 tests at 99,922 and 93,468 miles respectively also passed without comment, indicating a stable pattern of passing tests, though the lack of advisories means no proactive maintenance history is visible. Mileage progression shows a consistent average of roughly 6,950 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the 2022 test at 79,297 miles and the 2023 test at 93,468 miles—covering 14,171 miles in just over a year—suggests no prolonged periods of neglect, though it also implies higher-than-average annual mileage. The 2025 tests occurred within a single week, which may indicate a rushed or incomplete pre-test service rather than genuine wear. Given the lack of advisories or defects, the most critical areas for an in-person inspection should focus on components that commonly fail without warning at this mileage. The suspension—particularly rear coil springs, bushes, and dampers—will need thorough checking for uneven wear or excessive play, as will the brake system for uneven pad thickness, warped discs, or binding calipers. Corrosion at wheel arches, sills, and subframes should be examined closely, especially given the vehicle’s age and typical exposure to UK road conditions. The exhaust system’s structural integrity should also be verified, as leaks or damage often go unnoticed until they worsen. Finally, the battery and electrical connections should be inspected, as age-related failures are common in vehicles of this era.