2017 Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 1.6L Diesel · YB17 JVP

The 2017 Citroen C4 Grand Picasso currently holds a valid MOT, having passed on 11 August 2025 at 39,408 miles. However, that same test day also produced a failure notice, indicating the car was presented in poor condition and required a retest before gaining compliance. The maintenance trend is best described as deteriorating. Between July 2024 and August 2025, the vehicle accumulated multiple new defects, including excessively worn nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints and a split constant velocity boot on the nearside front drive shaft. These are not minor consumables but mechanical failures that suggest a lack of proactive servicing. The fact that both front tyres were worn to the legal limit at the most recent test reinforces the impression of deferred upkeep. The mileage profile tells a different story. At roughly 4,379 miles per year, the car has covered very little ground for a nine-year-old vehicle. The record shows a steady but slow accumulation: 21,264 miles in July 2022, 26,268 miles in July 2023, 32,340 miles in July 2024, and 39,408 miles in August 2025. This equates to approximately 5,000 miles per year over the last three years, consistent with short, local journeys rather than sustained motorway use. Low mileage can mask neglect, as infrequent but severe faults like split CV boots and worn suspension joints often stem from age-related deterioration rather than high wear. The car may have sat idle for extended periods, allowing rubber components to perish and lubricants to degrade. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and drivetrain. The nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint was flagged as excessively worn at the most recent test, and the nearside front CV boot was recorded as split, meaning the joint has likely been exposed to dirt and moisture. Check both front tyres for uneven edge wear, which was noted as a recurring issue in August 2025. Inspect the offside front suspension components for similar wear, as these systems tend to degrade symmetrically. Examine the rear brakes and tyres, given the advisories recorded in July 2022 for perishing rear tyres and thin rear brake pads. While those items may have since been replaced, the pattern of neglect suggests verifying their current condition rather than assuming renewal. Pay close attention to the windscreen washer system, which failed for insufficient fluid in August 2025. A simple top-up may resolve it, but a persistent fault could indicate a blocked jet, a failing pump, or a leaking pipe. Given the low annual mileage and the nature of the defects, this vehicle appears to have been driven gently but maintained poorly. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly advised before committing.