2015 Citroen C1 1.2L Petrol · YC65 DLD

A front brake disc failure in late 2025 punctuates an otherwise largely clean record for this eleven-year-old Citroen C1, which otherwise passes its annual inspections with minimal comment. The 2025-10-31 test recorded a major defect for a significantly and obviously worn front brake disc, alongside three advisories for nearside and offside front tyres worn close to the legal limit on their edges, plus an oil leak from the oil filter area not considered excessive. The very next test on 2025-11-03 returned a pass with no defects recorded, indicating the disc and tyres were replaced in the three days between tests. Looking back further, the vehicle passed cleanly in 2020, 2022, and 2025 (post-repair), with only minor advisories in 2021 (defective front exhaust mounting), 2023 (oil leak and slightly perished rear tyres), and 2024 (oil leak). The overall trend is one of steady roadworthiness with isolated component wear, though the front brake disc failure is a tangible mechanical event that warrants close attention during inspection. With 42,712 miles recorded across approximately eleven years, this C1 has covered an annual average of around 3,883 miles, which is markedly low for its age. There are no obvious gaps in the testing history, with tests recorded consecutively from 2019 through 2025, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use throughout, rather than left dormant for extended periods. Low annual mileage of this nature tends to preserve internal combustion components by reducing overall engine hours, but it can also bring its own considerations: brake discs and pads can suffer from light corrosion through infrequent heavy braking, tyres can develop flat spots or sidewall cracking from standing, and rubber components such as suspension bushes and drive belts can age and harden regardless of distance covered. The repeated advisory for an oil leak from the oil filter region across three consecutive tests (2023, 2024, and 2025) is notable given the low mileage and may indicate a seal or gasket that has degraded with age rather than wear. Given the specific components flagged, a prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front braking system, paying particular attention to the condition and finish of both front discs, looking for scoring, lipping around the outer edge, or uneven surface texture. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsation through the brake pedal under firm braking, and check for the vehicle pulling to one side which could indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. The tyres should be examined closely for uneven shoulder wear on the front pair, as the advisories specified edge wear, which can result from misalignment, worn suspension components, or incorrect camber settings. Request that any recent tyre replacements be evidenced with receipts and check the date codes on all four tyres to confirm they are of similar age and specification. The persistent oil leak from the oil filter housing area, noted in three of the last four tests, should be inspected physically by looking for fresh oil residue around the filter canister, the filter housing seal, and the surrounding engine casing, and checking the underside of the engine for oil accumulation. While the tester classified it as not excessive each time, any progression between advisories should be questioned, and a mechanical inspection of the filter housing seal and gasket would be prudent before purchase. The 2021 advisory for a defective front exhaust mounting should prompt a check of the exhaust system for excessive movement, rattling on start-up, or signs of stress fractures at the mounting points. Given the low mileage, it would also be worth confirming the service history independently, as low annual mileage does not eliminate the need for regular oil and filter changes, and verifying that the timing chain or belt has been replaced according to schedule is essential on a vehicle of this age.