2017 Citroen C3 1.2L Petrol · YP67 CVE

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 8 June 2026 resulted in a pass, but only after a prior failure on the same date was rectified. The earlier failure on that day identified a Major defect for excessive play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, alongside advisories concerning a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on edge, a nail in the offside front tyre, and the same pair of front suspension arm bush and ball joint wear items that were subsequently carried forward as advisories on the pass. Looking at the broader trend, the maintenance picture is not particularly reassuring. The 2024 test produced three Major defects covering rear stop lamps, an anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, and an insecure front exhaust system, while the 2023 test produced Majors for parking brake efficiency and an insufficient washer supply. The recurrence of front suspension advisories across 2023 and 2026 and the appearance of steering and anti-roll bar wear within the last twelve months indicate a vehicle whose front-end consumables are progressing steadily and warrant close attention. With 64,282 miles recorded over nine years, the annual usage of roughly 7,142 miles is consistent with typical private mileage for a car of this age and segment, suggesting neither heavy motorway use nor prolonged standing. There are no conspicuous gaps in the MOT record that would imply extended inactivity, although the 2022 to 2023 gap aligns with the standard anniversary pattern rather than any missed testing. Mileage accumulation appears steady and moderate, which generally preserves drivetrain longevity but does not insulate a nine year old supermini from age related deterioration of rubber, coolant, brake fluid, and electrical components. Servicing history should be confirmed by way of the service book and accompanying invoices to ensure that time based items have been attended to at the correct intervals rather than purely on a mileage basis. The front suspension requires the most detailed physical inspection. The advisories regarding the nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes and the offside front suspension arm ball joint suggest progressive wear in the lower wishbone area, while the failed track rod end and the earlier anti-roll bar linkage failure point to broader front end deterioration. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the offside front, and pay attention to any vagueness in steering response, tramlining on crowned roads, or uneven front tyre wear such as inner or outer shoulder feathering. The 2023 advisory concerning parking brake efficiency below requirements also warrants a check of the rear drum or caliper mechanism, including adjustment and cable condition, ensuring the handbrave holds on an incline without excessive lever travel. Additional checks appropriate to this age and mileage should focus on calendar related deterioration. Examine all tyres including the spare for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth, and inspect the wheels for kerbing damage that may have contributed to the previously noted steering component failures. Verify the 12 volt battery state of health, as a nine year old original unit is well beyond typical service life and prone to cold start failure. Inspect the coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox or transmission fluid for degradation and correct levels, and confirm that the timing belt or chain replacement interval has been observed according to Citroen specification. Finally, examine the underside and exhaust system for corrosion or loose mounting, given the 2024 advisory concerning an insecure front exhaust, and ensure the rear lamp clusters function correctly across all bulbs, as a stop lamp failure was recorded in 2024.