2007 Citroen C4 1.6L Petrol · YP57 AEW

This Citroën C4 presents a concerning maintenance history, with the most recent MOT tests in August and June 2022—nearly four years ago—raising immediate red flags. The vehicle failed twice consecutively in 2022 at 151,070–151,071 miles, yet no defects were recorded, which is highly unusual. This suggests either a deliberate suppression of critical issues or an incomplete test record. The pattern of repeated failures without documented faults in 2022, combined with the lack of any subsequent MOTs, implies the car has been driven without official roadworthiness verification for over three years—a serious compliance risk. The absence of advisories or defects in the 2021 and 2019 passes further obscures the vehicle’s true condition, leaving critical components unchecked. The mileage accumulation of 151,071 miles over 19 years (7,951 miles annually) aligns with typical low-to-moderate usage for its age, but the gaps between tests are alarming. The car sat for nearly 18 months between the February 2021 and November 2019 MOTs, covering just 5,258 miles—a period where corrosion, fluid degradation, and suspension wear could have progressed unnoticed. More troubling is the two-month span between the June and August 2022 failures, where mileage barely increased (79 miles), yet the vehicle was retested without resolution. This stagnation in mileage during the failure period suggests either a prolonged period off the road or, more likely, an attempt to pass a test without addressing underlying issues. Given the lack of documented faults, a buyer must treat this C4 as a high-risk proposition, prioritising a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Key areas demand immediate scrutiny: the braking system, including caliper binding, disc thickness, and pad wear, as the 2022 failures could indicate unresolved brake issues. Suspension components—such as coil springs, bushings, and ball joints—should be checked for fatigue or corrosion, especially given the prolonged gap without testing. Structural integrity is another critical concern; the absence of rust advisories in the MOT history does not guarantee its absence, particularly in wheel arches, sill sections, and underbody panels. Fluid levels, including brake, coolant, and power steering, should be verified, as neglect over three years would likely lead to leaks or component failure. Finally, the exhaust system and emissions equipment must be inspected for tampering or deterioration, as the clean MOT passes could mask illegal modifications or severe wear. The combination of failed tests with no recorded defects, the extended period without an MOT, and the lack of mileage progression during the failure phase strongly suggests this vehicle has been driven in an unregulated state. Without a comprehensive inspection and recent service history, its true condition remains unverified.