Official DVLA Record

2001 Citroen Saxo 1.6L Petrol · YP51 APF

YP51 APF

2001 Citroen Saxo (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01/10/2001. Recorded mileage 139,129 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.

Make & Model
CITROEN SAXO
Year / Origin
2001 · Sheffield
MOT Status
Valid until 29/11/2024
Road Tax
SORN
Recorded Mileage
139,129 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 1.6L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Valid until 29/11/2024
Tax Status
SORN
Statutory Off Road (SORN)
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
2001
Engine
1587cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance profile with a trend of worsening structural and mechanical integrity. While the most recent test in November 2023 at 139,129 miles resulted in a pass, the record shows persistent issues with braking components and corrosion. The tester flagged a corroded nearside front brake pipe and pitted inner brake discs on both sides, which follows a pattern of braking system instability seen in previous years. The presence of recurring advisories regarding tyre wear and brake component degradation suggests that maintenance is often reactive rather than preventative. The mileage history indicates a low-use vehicle, averaging approximately 5,565 miles per year over its twenty-five-year lifespan. This low annual usage is evident in the progression from 80,832 miles in 2015 to 139,129 miles in late 2023. However, the infrequent movement of the vehicle may contribute to the deterioration of rubber components and the accumulation of surface corrosion. The gap between the 2023 test and the current date of July 2026 means the vehicle has not had a recorded MOT for over two and a half years, making the current roadworthiness status unverified. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity, specifically focusing on the sills and suspension mounting points. The history shows a significant failure in December 2018 due to excessive corrosion on the rear chassis and suspension mounting areas, and a 2022 failure involving repairs to the rear integral body structure. Given the age of the Citroen Saxo, the risk of advanced structural rot remains high. The buyer should also inspect the steering rack gaiters and suspension bushes, as these components have been repeatedly flagged for damage or deterioration since at least 2019. The braking system requires immediate physical verification. The record shows a history of imbalanced brakes, binding calipers, and corroded pipes. Because the 2023 test noted both pitted discs and a corroded brake pipe, the buyer should check for any signs of fluid leaks or further degradation in the hydraulic lines. Additionally, the previous issues with the supplementary restraint system warning lamp and headlamp failures suggest that electrical and safety system checks are necessary to ensure the vehicle meets basic operational standards.

YP51 APF Key Findings

  • 4 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 30/11/2023
  • 139,129 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring lighting items (4 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
55
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
! Tax Status Unknown
✓ Good MOT pass rate (75%)
! Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

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Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for YP51APF

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Imported
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Exported
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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Technical Specifications

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YP51 APF Mileage History

  1. 07/10/2021129,734 mi
  2. 14/10/2022133,991 mi+4,257 mi
  3. 14/10/2022134,066 mi+75 mi
  4. 30/11/2023139,129 mi+5,063 mi

Average of roughly 4,375 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.

YP51 APF MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: 6 Sept 2026, 07:36
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Citroen Saxo (YP51 APF) between October 2021 and November 2023.

The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 30 November 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (4 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Steering (1 issue), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 6 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”; “Offside Brake cable insecure (1.1.15 (c))”; “Offside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
25/100
Risk Level
Very High
Very High
Est. Annual Cost
£2,165-£2,900
Mileage
At 139,129 miles, the recorded mileage i...

Our Verdict

Avoid this 2001 Citroën Saxo. The MOT history reveals severe, recurring structural and mechanical issues, including dangerous rear axle wear, extensive corrosion, and repeated brake failures.

Given the extensive and recurring MOT failures, particularly the dangerous rear axle issues and structural corrosion, this vehicle should be avoided unless offered at a nominal price for spares or repair. If considering purchase despite the risks, insist on a full pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, focusing on the rear axle, brake system, and structural integrity. Verify that all advisories, especially those related to corrosion and brake imbalance, have been properly addressed with receipts. Do not rely solely on the most recent MOT pass, as it only reflects the vehicle's condition at that point in time. Negotiate aggressively based on the substantial repair costs likely needed, and ensure any purchase includes a warranty covering major mechanical components.

As a 2001 Citroën Saxo with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, fuel economy is likely around 35-40 mpg combined, translating to approximately £1,200-£1,400 annually in fuel costs based on 10,000 miles. Vehicle tax for a car of this age is typically low, around £165 per year. Insurance would fall into a low group, possibly £300-£400 annually for a young driver, less for older drivers. However, maintenance costs are expected to be high due to the age and condition of the vehicle. Frequent repairs, particularly to the brakes, suspension, and bodywork, could add £500-£1,000 or more per year. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, range from £2,165 to £2,900.

Inspect the rear axle and suspension components thoroughly, as the MOT history shows dangerous wear and excessive corrosion in this area. Check the brake system, including discs, pipes, and pads, as multiple advisories and failures indicate ongoing issues. Examine the bodywork for signs of corrosion, particularly around the sills, inner wheel arches, and prescribed areas, as several MOTs noted structural repairs and corrosion. Test the steering for play or unusual behaviour, given the recurring steering rack gaiter and ball joint issues. Finally, verify the functionality of all lights, including headlamps and the SRS warning lamp, as these have been sources of MOT failures.

This 2001 Citroën Saxo (YP51APF), a 1.6-litre petrol registered in October 2001, has accumulated 139,129 miles and exhibits a deeply concerning MOT history. Multiple failures, including a dangerous rear axle bush and structural corrosion, suggest long-term neglect. Despite passing its most recent MOT in November 2023, advisories point to ongoing brake and tyre wear. With no reliable model aggregate data to suggest strong inherent reliability, this vehicle presents significant financial and safety risks.

No aggregate MOT data is available for the Citroën Saxo, so reliability cannot be assessed based on model-wide trends. However, the individual history of this vehicle suggests significant mechanical and structural issues common in older French cars, particularly those that have not been well-maintained.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns