2015 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · YK15 CVZ

The Citroën C3’s most recent MOT in March 2026 at 89,726 miles passed, though it revealed persistent tyre wear and a nail embedded in the offside front tyre—an issue that suggests either delayed replacement or neglect of minor damage. The trend over the past two years shows a vehicle that has been driven at a steady, moderate pace but with recurring advisories that have not been fully addressed. Suspension components, particularly the front lower arm bushes, were flagged as worn in both the 2024 and 2025 tests without any indication of repair, while the rear shock absorbers exhibited light oil misting in two consecutive tests—a sign of internal wear that could worsen. The March 2025 failure was primarily due to a damaged windscreen and excessive CO emissions, both of which were rectified before the next test, but the underlying exhaust system defect (broken bracket in 2024, mounting issue in 2023) implies a pattern of deferred maintenance on emissions-related components. The car’s mileage accumulation—around 8,157 miles per year—is typical for its age, with no sudden spikes or prolonged inactivity that might suggest abuse or long-term storage. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests (approximately 19,856 miles in just over a year) indicates regular use, while the 2023 to 2024 interval (11,683 miles in roughly 12 months) aligns with the average. There’s no evidence of aggressive driving, but the consistent mileage does mean wear on consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension has been inevitable. The fact that multiple tyres reached the legal limit or were damaged in consecutive tests—including edge wear and cuts—points to either aggressive cornering, poor alignment, or simply a lack of proactive tyre rotation and replacement. For a buyer, the suspension should be a priority: the front lower arm bushes have been flagged for wear in three of the last four tests, and while they haven’t yet caused excessive movement, their longevity is questionable. The rear shock absorbers’ oil misting is less critical but worth probing—if the dampers are spongy or uneven, replacement may be imminent. Brakes were only explicitly mentioned once (front discs worn in 2024), but given the tyre wear patterns, it’s prudent to check disc thickness and pad condition. The exhaust system’s history of broken brackets and mounting defects suggests rust or fatigue; inspect for corrosion, especially near the rear silencer and mounting points. Finally, the windscreen failure in 2025, while fixed, raises the possibility of stone chips or poor-quality repairs—any new damage would need immediate attention to avoid a repeat failure.