2010 Citroen C3 1.4L Petrol · YY10 OAA

A pattern of recurring electrical and lighting defects defines the MOT history of this 2010 Citroen C3, alongside a progressive accumulation of suspension and brake wear advisories that have built steadily over the last three test cycles. The most recent test on 14 April 2026 produced a pass, but only after a same-day failure was recorded for an inoperative or malfunctioning engine management indicator lamp, a particularly significant item given its dangerous classification. Two stop lamp failures have now been recorded across 2023 and 2025, the registration plate lamp has failed on multiple occasions on both sides, and the offside rear direction indicator colour was flagged as incorrect in 2023. The 2024 test also included a major failure for excessive play in the nearside track rod end ball joint, a steering component defect that directly affects directional control. These repeated lighting and steering items, combined with brake disc pitting advisories appearing in three of the last four tests, suggest a vehicle with chronic wear patterns rather than isolated incidents. Recorded mileage stands at 78,793 miles across 16 years, equating to an average annual accumulation of roughly 4,925 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history confirms annual testing from 2023 onwards, with no recorded multi-year lay-up gaps, indicating the vehicle has been in regular use despite the modest mileage. Lower annual mileage of this nature typically reduces wear on the engine and drivetrain internals but can accelerate corrosion on external components such as brake discs, coil springs, and underbody metalwork, particularly if the car has been used primarily for short journeys where components do not reach full operating temperature. The mileage consistency between tests, with no unusual jumps or gaps, supports a steady usage profile consistent with a secondary or light-use vehicle. For a prospective buyer, the braking system warrants close physical inspection given that both front and rear discs were noted as worn, pitted, or scored in the 2026 test, with rear disc pitting also flagged in 2024. These discs may now be approaching the minimum thickness and should be measured with a micrometer, and the caliper slide pins and pistons checked for seizure, particularly on a vehicle that has seen relatively low mileage where corrosion binding is common. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding on light brake application and feel for pedal judder under firm braking, which would indicate disc runout beyond serviceable limits. The nearside rear coil spring corrosion advisory from 2026 should also be visually examined for any loss of material or cracking, as corroded springs on a C3 of this age are known to fail without warning, particularly on the rear axle. The suspension and steering history demands a thorough road test on uneven surfaces. With advisories recorded in 2023 and 2024 for offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush wear, an offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint with slight play, and the major failure in 2024 for nearside track rod end ball joint play, the front suspension has been showing progressive degradation. After the track rod end replacement that would have been required to pass the 2024 test, the remaining linkages and bushes should be checked for any knocking or clonking over speed bumps, and the steering should be assessed for any vagueness, pulling to one side, or knocking felt through the rack under load. The 2026 advisory for nearside rear coil spring corrosion is also worth investigating visually, ideally with the vehicle raised, to confirm whether surface corrosion has progressed to structural concern. Finally, given the recurring engine MIL illumination, it would be prudent to verify that any fault codes stored in the ECU have been properly diagnosed and cleared, and to confirm that all previously failed lighting items, particularly the stop lamps, have been permanently rectified rather than temporarily repaired to pass the test.