2016 Citroen C1 1.2L Petrol · YP16 BZX

A pattern of multiple MOT failures and recurring component wear dominates the roadworthiness profile of this 2016 Citroen C1, with two failures recorded in 2023 and a further failure in 2024 prior to the most recent test on 23 March 2026 when the vehicle passed. The 2023 test on 5 May recorded a dangerous failure on both front tyres with ply or cords exposed, alongside a major defect for excessive engine oil leakage. The 2024 test on 18 March identified major defects for a broken rear exhaust mounting bracket and significantly worn front brake discs. Just six days before the 2026 pass, a major failure was logged for an inoperative engine management warning lamp, electronic stability control warning lamp fault, and tyre pressure monitoring system malfunction, with the CV joint boot deterioration carried forward as a minor defect on the subsequent pass. An advisory for a non-excessive oil leak noted at the same 2026 test links directly to the 2023 excessive oil leak failure, suggesting the sealing issue has not been fully resolved. Earlier advisories for binding offside front brake and edge-worn tyres across the 2022 and 2025 tests further reinforce a picture of accumulating component wear rather than stable roadworthiness. Recorded mileage of 77,096 miles over a ten-year vehicle age equates to roughly 7,710 miles annually, which sits within typical usage parameters for a city-oriented C1 of this generation. MOT testing has occurred annually since at least 2022 with no multi-year gaps or periods off the road evident from the recorded sequence, meaning mileage accumulation has been steady rather than concentrated after a lay-up. The annual figure is consistent with mixed urban and shorter-journey driving, which on this model places predictable demands on the braking components, clutch actuation, cooling system, and the rubber-bodied suspension and drivetrain seals. The fact that the brake disc, brake binding, and tyre wear advisories have surfaced within the recorded sequence is consistent with regular in-service use rather than extended standing periods. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing items to verify on inspection are the engine oil leak previously recorded as excessive and still noted as present, the deteriorated nearside front outer CV joint boot, and the brake-related items flagged across the 2022 and 2024 tests. The CV boot should be checked visually for splits, grease loss around the joint, and any clicking or vibration on full-lock cornering, as a torn boot left unrectified will lead to joint failure. For the oil leak, look for fresh residue on the underside of the engine block, oil pooling around the sump plug and gasket areas, and any blue haze from the exhaust on startup indicating oil burn. The brake system warrants a road test for pulling to one side under firm braking, any judder through the pedal suggesting the 2024 disc wear has recurred, and a check that the offside front caliper is not binding by feeling for excessive heat at the hub after a short drive. The dashboard warning lamps for the engine, electronic stability control, and tyre pressure monitoring system must be confirmed as fully extinguished after ignition, and a diagnostic scan should be requested to identify the stored fault codes behind the 2026 major failure, as intermittent sensor or wiring faults can recur without leaving a visible MILD illumination. Particular attention should also be paid to the tyres on a test drive, given the dangerous-level cord exposure recorded on both fronts in 2023, and a thorough inspection of the exhaust rear mounting bracket is warranted to confirm the 2024 repair remains secure and free from corrosion cracking at the hangers. The vehicle should be raised or examined on a ramp to check for fresh oil residue along the sump, cam cover, and any sensor wiring loom entries, as oil migrating onto hot exhaust components presents a fire risk and would explain the recurring leak advisories. Steering feel should be evaluated for any vagueness or knocking over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn suspension bushes or drop links typical of higher-mileage C1s. Given the two failures within the most recent three years and the unresolved oil leak, the prospective buyer should budget for immediate remedial work on the engine sealing and braking components and request documentary proof that the warning lamp faults from March 2026 have been properly diagnosed and rectified rather than simply cleared.