2016 Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 1.6L Diesel · YJZ 5019

The most recent DVSA examination on 2 April 2026 returned a pass, though five advisories were recorded against the vehicle. While there are no immediate failures that would prohibit registration, the cluster of advisories relating to the steering rack inner joint, rear axle corrosion, and rear brake hose ferrules suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase where its secondary mechanical components are beginning to show their age. Reviewing the chronological MOT history, the trend is broadly stable rather than deteriorating rapidly. Earlier tests from 2019 through 2023 recorded no defects or only minor advisories, but the density of advisories has increased in the last two cycles, indicating that routine wear items are now catching up with the vehicle. A prospective buyer should not be alarmed by this pattern, as it is consistent with a ten-year-old car, but it does warrant careful physical verification before purchase. The recorded mileage of 94,476 over a ten-year period equates to an average of approximately 9,448 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for a large family MPV of this age, neither exceptionally high nor unusually low. The mileage progression appears steady rather than erratic, with no large gaps or sudden jumps that would suggest clocked readings or extended periods of standing. This kind of consistent usage generally indicates that the major drivetrain and suspension components have been worked regularly, which is favourable for components such as the clutch, turbo, and brake callipers that can seize when left idle. However, the rear axle corrosion advisory recorded in 2026 may still point to some localised standing exposure or winter road salt use, and this should be physically inspected on a ramp or over a pit. Several of the advisories warrant close attention. The play noted in the steering rack inner joint is a notable point, as steering rack wear typically progresses gradually and will eventually manifest as a vague or wandering feel through the front wheels, particularly at motorway speeds or over uneven surfaces. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end when turning at low speed, and check for uneven tyre wear on the inside shoulders of the front tyres, which is symptomatic of worn inner tie rod or rack joints. The rear axle corrosion advisory requires visual confirmation, as surface corrosion on the rear beam or trailing arms is common on UK vehicles and is generally non-structural unless it has progressed to perforation, but it should be monitored at future MOT tests to ensure it does not encroach on load-bearing sections. The corroded brake hose ferrules are a lesser concern but should be cleaned and treated with a rust inhibitor, with the hoses themselves replaced at the next brake fluid service if the corrosion deepens. Beyond the recorded advisories, general age-related checks remain highly relevant. Given the vehicle's age, the 12-volt battery is likely approaching the end of its service life and should be load-tested before purchase, particularly as a weak battery can cause false warning lights and electronic faults on this generation of Citroen. Brake fluid should be renewed every two years regardless of mileage, and if service history cannot confirm this, it would be prudent to budget for a fluid change along with a fresh coolant, as both degrade chemically over time. The tyres should be inspected for sidewall perishing or cracking, an age-related failure mode that the 2020 advisory on rear tyres hinted at, and any tyre over six years old from its DOT date stamp should be replaced regardless of tread depth. Finally, given the advisory regarding the passenger airbag deactivation light, confirm with the seller that the system has been intentionally switched off for a child seat and not as a result of a pretensioner or squib fault, which would require diagnostic scanning to rule out.