Used car guide

2001 Citroen Synergie: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Citroen Synergie first registered in 2001: we looked at the 146 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 146 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

146MOTs of 2001 cars, done in 2023–2025
53%pass first time (all 2001 cars: 60%)
6,600typical miles a year
3.6×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Citroen Synergie?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Citroen Synergie than on all cars registered in 2001.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.6× usual
    Citroen Synergie
    27.4% All 2001 cars
    7.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 19.9%, against 4.2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

  • Coil springs2.4× usual
    Citroen Synergie
    23.3% All 2001 cars
    9.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 2.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

Common 2001 Citroen Synergie MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Citroen Synergie MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    59% 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
    40% 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.

  • Brakes
    40% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    35% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Rust and bodywork
    21% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    21% 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 2001 Citroen Synergie

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

  1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2001 Citroen Synergie as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2001 Citroen Synergie as on other cars the same age.)
  3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Citroen Synergie?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Citroen Synergie compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2002–Too few tests
2000–Too few tests
1999–Too few tests
1998–Too few tests
1997–Too few tests
1996–Too few tests
1995–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Citroen Synergie cars first registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score