2014 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · YR14 XCU

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 18 March 2026, resulted in a Pass, but only after the same date recorded a Fail with two Major defects being identified. These Major items concerned the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover failing to prevent the ingress of dirt and the offside front outer constant velocity joint boot on the drive shaft being split or insecure. While the vehicle was subsequently presented and passed, the presence of two Majors on a single inspection is a clear indicator that the overall maintenance trend cannot be described as stable. Reviewing the broader history reinforces this concern, with the 2023 and 2024 tests each recording Dangerous failures for tyre tread depth below the legal 1.6mm requirement, and consistent advisories across multiple years relating to tyre wear on both axles and service brake binding on the rear. The pattern suggests an owner who has historically allowed consumables such as tyres and brake components to reach or fall below legal thresholds before addressing them, and the recent driveline and suspension Majors suggest that attention to chassis and running gear maintenance has been lacking. The recorded mileage of 95,383 miles against a vehicle age of approximately 12 years equates to an annual average of around 7,950 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this vintage and indicates reasonably consistent use rather than long periods of standing or exceptionally high wear. There is no obvious evidence of a significant mileage gap that would raise concerns about calendar-based degradation, such as severe brake disc corrosion, perished rubber, or fluid degradation through lack of use. The mileage accumulation appears steady, which is mechanically favourable in terms of keeping seals, bearings, and drivetrain components regularly worked, although it does place the engine, clutch (if manual), and front suspension components into a zone where age-related wear on bushes, coil springs, and engine mounts should be expected regardless of the relatively modest annual figure. Given the recurring tyre advisories and the Dangerous tread depth failures recorded in both 2023 and 2024, a prospective buyer must give particular attention to the current condition of all four tyres, checking not only the legal 1.6mm tread depth but also the sidewalls for perishing, cracking, or bulging, as twelve-year-old rubber is highly susceptible to age-related degradation regardless of remaining tread. Uneven wear patterns across an axle should also be investigated, as this can point to misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or weak coil springs, the latter being a known concern on Citroen vehicles of this era. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would be consistent with the failed anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover noted at the recent test, and pay attention to any vibration through the steering or a clicking noise on full lock, which could indicate further deterioration of the constant velocity joint boot or underlying joint wear. The rear brake binding advisories from 2024 should also be verified by checking for a dragging sensation, uneven rear tyre wear, or hot rear wheels after driving, suggesting a seized caliper or sticking handbrake mechanism. Beyond the documented items, a physical inspection should include a thorough check of the vehicle underbody and wheel arches for corrosion, paying particular attention to the suspension subframes, brake lines, and rear axle components where road salt exposure over twelve winters can accelerate structural deterioration. The service light advisory that has appeared at every recent test should be queried with the seller, as it may indicate an overdue routine service interval, a sensor fault, or an emissions-related issue requiring diagnostic readout. Verify that the service book contains stamps or invoices at appropriate intervals, confirm the age and condition of the 12V battery, and inspect the engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid for condition and any signs of leaks, bearing in mind that brake fluid should ideally be renewed every two years regardless of mileage. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician is strongly advisable given the combination of chassis-related Majors, repeated tyre failures, and brake binding advisories recorded across consecutive MOTs.