2013 CITROEN BERLINGO1.6L Diesel

The Citroën Berlingo’s most recent MOT test on 2025-07-23—just six months ago—was a failure without any recorded defects, which is unusual and raises immediate concern. This abrupt termination of the test suggests a critical issue was detected but not logged, potentially due to a major fault such as structural corrosion, severe suspension failure, or a catastrophic brake or steering system malfunction. The preceding four tests between 2020 and 2023 all passed with no advisories or defects, indicating a stable roadworthiness record until the 2025 failure. The lack of defects in prior tests implies previous owners maintained the vehicle adequately, but the 2025 failure—without explanation—demands thorough verification of the underlying cause. The recorded mileage of 128,925 miles over 13 years reflects a consistent annual average of approximately 9,917 miles, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps in mileage accumulation, nor does the record suggest prolonged periods of disuse. The most notable observation is the 2,204-mile jump between the 2023 and 2025 tests, which could indicate either a period of heavier usage or a delay in testing after the vehicle was last driven. However, the absence of advisories in the 2023 test suggests no urgent maintenance was deferred, though the sudden failure in 2025 disrupts this pattern. Given the 2025 failure without defects, a buyer should prioritise an inspection of the vehicle’s structural integrity, particularly the floor pans, sills, and wheel arches, where corrosion often goes undetected until it compromises safety. The suspension components—including coil springs, bushes, and dampers—should be examined for wear or leaks, as these are common failure points in older vans. The braking system warrants close scrutiny: binding calipers, unevenly worn discs, or corroded flexi-hoses could explain the abrupt test termination. Additionally, the exhaust system should be checked for leaks or structural damage, as emissions-related failures are often the first to appear in MOT records when underlying issues are ignored. The absence of advisories in prior tests suggests consumables like tyres, wiper blades, and bulbs were replaced as needed, but the 2025 failure introduces uncertainty. A professional inspection is essential to confirm whether the vehicle was repaired correctly after the 2025 test or if the failure was masked by temporary fixes. The buyer should also verify the service history for evidence of major work, such as suspension or brake overhauls, which would provide further reassurance.