2005 Citroen Berlingo 2.0L Diesel · VN55 AHZ

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a trend of worsening mechanical wear as the van has aged. While the most recent test in December 2024 at 154,426 miles passed, it revealed a minor exhaust leak at the backbox and play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint. These issues follow a period starting in late 2023 where the vehicle failed due to steering rack issues and lighting faults, indicating that components are now frequently reaching the end of their service life. At 21 years old, the mileage of 154,426 miles represents a consistent usage pattern of approximately 7,300 miles per year. The record is notably clean between 2011 and 2017, where the vehicle passed with no recorded defects for over 70,000 miles. However, the frequency of advisories increased significantly after passing the 100,000-mile mark in 2018, suggesting that the vehicle has entered a phase of accelerated wear and component degradation typical of high-mileage light vehicles. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the braking system and steering assembly. The record consistently flags corrosion on brake pipes dating back to 2020, with the tester noting grease used to mask the condition in 2023. The recurring presence of oil leaks from the steering box and inner joints, noted between 2020 and 2023, suggests the steering system is increasingly failing and may require expensive replacement to prevent total failure. The suspension also requires close attention as ball joints in the anti-roll bars and suspension arms have appeared in multiple tests over the last four years. Given the persistent oil leaks noted since 2019, the buyer should also verify the engine seals and sump condition to ensure the 'not excessive' leaks reported by the tester have not progressed into a more significant structural mechanical failure.