2009 Citroen C5 2.2L Diesel · YY09 CCN

The most recent DVSA MOT test recorded against this 2009 Citroen C5 took place on 21 January 2023 and resulted in a pass, with no advisories or defects noted on that occasion. However, the immediate prior history is worth noting for any prospective buyer, as the vehicle failed its test on both 17 January 2023 and 3 January 2023 before passing on the third attempt, and similarly failed on 8 January 2022 only to pass later the same day. While no specific defect categories are listed in the supplied records, this pattern of repeat attempts within very short windows suggests the car may have been subject to repair-and-retest cycles rather than any deep-seated structural deterioration. From a roadworthiness trend standpoint, the absence of recorded advisories on the final pass is positive, but the older test history is unusually sparse given the vehicle's age and accumulated mileage, and a buyer should treat the cleanliness of the record with a degree of caution rather than assuming it confirms overall mechanical soundness. With 125,615 miles recorded across approximately seventeen years, this C5 has covered roughly 7,389 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical UK averages for a vehicle of this age. There are, however, substantial gaps in the MOT history visible in the supplied records, with the only tests documented falling within a narrow window in January 2022 and January 2023. This suggests either missing records from earlier years or, more likely, that the vehicle may have covered relatively modest mileage in the years between recorded tests. Such gaps are mechanically significant because lower annual use combined with age often accelerates degradation of rubber and polymer components, ageing of fluids, and corrosion of ferrous parts, even when overall mileage remains moderate. The combination of high total mileage and likely periods of reduced use makes this a vehicle that warrants particular attention to time-served components as well as wear-based items. Given the absence of specific recorded defects in the DVSA history, practical age-and-mileage-appropriate inspection should focus on components that deteriorate with calendar age as much as with use. The tyres should be carefully examined for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds harden and deteriorate after around six to seven years regardless of tread depth, and a date code check is strongly advised. Equally, the 12V battery should be load-tested, as batteries in vehicles of this age that may have stood for extended periods often show degraded capacity even if the engine starts readily on a warm day. Brake discs, particularly those fitted to a car that may have seen periods of standing, are prone to surface corrosion and binding calipers; during a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding on initial application and feel for uneven pulling or a soft pedal. The hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and automatic or manual gearbox oil should all be considered for renewal purely on age grounds, as moisture absorption and additive depletion compromise their protective properties well before any visual sign of distress becomes apparent. Beyond consumables, the suspension and underbody of this C5 merit close physical scrutiny because the hydropneumatic system fitted to many variants of this model is a known area of concern with age and mileage. Look for any sagging at the rear when stationary, slow or uneven raising on start-up, and warning messages relating to suspension faults on the dashboard. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and wishbone bearings, which are common wear items at this mileage and are often the source of failed MOT tests for worn components. Inspect the underbody, sill seams, wheel arches, and subframe mounting points for any signs of corrosion, particularly around suspension turrets and brake line unions, as seventeen years of British weather conditions will take a toll even on a well-maintained example. Finally, verify the service book stamping history and request evidence of recent replacement for the timing belt and water pump if applicable to the engine variant, as these are interval-based renewals rather than inspection items and are critical to the long-term mechanical integrity of the vehicle.