2010 Citroen DS3 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Citroen DS3 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Citroen DS3 petrol than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Exhaust system2.8× usual
  Citroen DS3

  19.6% All 2010 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Citroen DS3

  25.3% All 2010 cars

  14.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Track rod ends3× usual
  Citroen DS3

  14.8% All 2010 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 2.5% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Engine oil leaks2× usual
  Citroen DS3

  17.8% All 2010 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.6× usual
  Citroen DS3

  11.8% All 2010 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2010 Citroen DS3 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Citroen DS3 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  36% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  34% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  23% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Citroen DS3 petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2010 Citroen DS3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2010 Citroen DS3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2010 Citroen DS3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?