2018 Citroen Berlingo 1.6L Diesel · PJ67 AAN

The most recent MOT on 18 December 2025 recorded a pass with no defects noted, but the preceding test in December 2025 highlighted a mixture of advisory and major failures, and earlier tests show a pattern of recurring wear items. Overall the trend is mixed: the vehicle has cleared recent inspections, yet the appearance of major faults in the same year indicates that wear is progressing and that remedial work is required to prevent recurrence. The earlier advisory on the front track‑rod end ball joint in January 2025, which later escalated to a major failure, suggests that the suspension bushings and ball joints are reaching the end of their service life and need attention. At 115,362 mi the van averages roughly 14,400 mi per annum, which is above the typical 10‑12 k mi benchmark for a light commercial vehicle of this age. The relatively high annual mileage accelerates the consumption of consumables such as brake pads, tyres and suspension components, and it also places additional stress on the engine and transmission. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, implying the vehicle has been in regular use rather than sitting idle for long periods, which reduces the risk of fluid degradation from standing but increases the likelihood of cumulative wear. Prospective buyers should give particular focus to the rear braking system and the front steering linkage. The rear brake pads were recorded as worn to the wear indicator in December 2025 and were already thin in the earlier test, so they will need replacement promptly; listen for a high‑pitched squeal or feel a soft pedal under moderate braking, and check for any uneven pad wear that could signal caliper sticking. The off‑side front track‑rod end ball joint exhibited excessive play, a serious safety concern – a clunk or knock when steering through bumps, or a vague wandering of the steering wheel, would confirm the defect. Replacement of the ball joint and a thorough inspection of the surrounding suspension bushes, tie‑rod ends and steering rack bushings are advisable, as wear in one area often masks deterioration elsewhere. In addition to the specific faults, the tyre advisories from early 2024 indicate that all four tyres were close to the legal tread limit and showed edge wear, suggesting the need for a full set of tyres with a fresh tread depth check and a visual inspection for sidewall cracking that can develop with age even on low‑mileage tyres. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery, especially if the vehicle has spent periods idle, and confirm that the coolant, brake fluid and engine oil have been changed in line with calendar intervals – a 2018 model should have had a coolant flush around 2023 and a brake‑fluid change at least once. Finally, request a complete service book to confirm that timing‑belt or chain maintenance (if applicable) and any major service items have been logged, and ensure the vehicle’s structural integrity by checking for any signs of corrosion on the chassis, wheel arches and under‑body, which can be exacerbated by high mileage and exposure to the elements.