2012 Citroen Nemo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Citroen Nemo diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Citroen Nemo diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Shock absorbers3.1× usual
  Citroen Nemo

  17.7% All 2012 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 1.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Engine oil leaks2.6× usual
  Citroen Nemo

  15.2% All 2012 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2012 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.

• Windscreen2.9× usual
  Citroen Nemo

  8.2% All 2012 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

• Diesel smoke emissions9.4× usual
  Citroen Nemo

  4.7% All 2012 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.4% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Headlights1.9× usual
  Citroen Nemo

  7.4% All 2012 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 2.7% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2012 Citroen Nemo diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Citroen Nemo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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.

• Tyres
  38% 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
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  20% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  17% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  15% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Citroen Nemo diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2012 Citroen Nemo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2012 Citroen Nemo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the windscreen? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2012 Citroen Nemo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?