2016 Citroen Berlingo 1.6L Diesel · AC09 XDC

The most recent DVSA MOT test recorded for this 2016 Citroen Berlingo is a fail dated 06 November 2025, issued on the same day as a pass, indicating that the vehicle was presented, failed on significant items, and subsequently passed after remedial work was carried out. The failure recorded two major mechanical defects alongside two administrative plate issues. Mechanically concerning were a nearside front outer constant velocity joint boot that had split or become insecure to the extent that it no longer prevented ingress of dirt and an offside front coil spring that was fractured or broken. Both items were classified as major, meaning they represented an immediate risk to roadworthiness and safety at the time of test. The fact that the vehicle subsequently cleared with no advisories suggests these components were professionally replaced prior to the pass certificate being issued. Looking back through the history, earlier tests between 2020 and 2023 were consistently clean with no recorded defects, while the 2024 test introduced a cluster of advisories covering tyre wear, brake pad wear, and a front suspension bush showing signs of debonding. The 2025 failure therefore represents a notable deterioration in the maintenance trend rather than a continuation of stable condition, and a prospective buyer should be alert to the possibility that further wear-related items may be approaching service intervals. With 93,840 miles recorded on a ten-year-old vehicle, the annual mileage equates to roughly 9,384 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical band for a Berlingo of this age, particularly given its likely use as a light commercial or family utility vehicle. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the MOT history, with annual tests consistently recorded from 2020 through 2025, and the mileage progression appears steady and consistent with regular use. This pattern is mechanically favourable, as it indicates the vehicle has been exercised regularly rather than left standing for prolonged periods, which helps mitigate issues such as brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, and premature ageing of rubber components. That said, the recorded mileage is now firmly within the zone where suspension, drivetrain, and braking consumables begin to require more frequent attention, and the recent coil spring failure and CV boot failure are consistent with the wear expectations of a higher-mileage utility vehicle. Given that the most recent test recorded a fractured front coil spring and a split CV joint boot, both of which are wear-related failures commonly seen on vehicles of this age and mileage, a prospective buyer should undertake a thorough physical inspection and a careful test drive. The replacement of a front coil spring on a Berlingo often indicates that the opposite side spring should be closely examined for fatigue, as coil springs tend to fail progressively and asymmetric loading can accelerate wear on the remaining original units. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn bushes, drop links, or top mount degradation, particularly given the 2024 advisory concerning the offside front suspension arm bush debonding. Inspect both front CV joint boots for signs of grease leakage, splits, or perished rubber, as a newly fitted boot on a high-mileage joint may suggest the joint itself is approaching the end of its service life and could exhibit a click or shudder on full-lock turns. Additionally, check that the replacement parts fitted to rectify the November 2025 failure are accompanied by invoices and that the work was carried out by a competent workshop. Beyond the specific items already addressed at test, a buyer should carry out the usual age-and-mileage-appropriate checks that apply to any ten-year-old Berlingo with approaching 94,000 miles. Examine all four tyres for both tread depth and, critically, for sidewall perishing and cracking, as age-related rubber deterioration can compromise a tyre well before the tread wears down, particularly on a vehicle that may have spent time parked outdoors. Inspect the brake discs for signs of lipping, scoring, or corrosion around the outer edges, and verify that the calipers are releasing cleanly without any binding, which is a common issue on vehicles that have seen mixed urban and standing use. Check the condition and age of the 12-volt battery, as a ten-year-old original unit is well beyond its expected service life and likely due for replacement. Finally, confirm that brake fluid, coolant, and transmission oil have been changed in line with calendar-based service schedules rather than purely mileage intervals, as fluid degradation through age can compromise braking performance, cooling efficiency, and clutch or gearbox protection regardless of how few miles the vehicle has covered between services.