2005 Citroen Berlingo 1.9L Diesel · BG05 ACX

The most recent MOT history for this 2005 Citroën Berlingo reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures just days apart in July 2025, despite no recorded defects on either test. The vehicle passed its September 2023 test at 128,073 miles, then failed in August 2024 at 135,225 miles before passing again at 135,228 miles—suggesting a brief, unresolved issue was overlooked. The July 2025 failures at 145,513 miles, with no defects logged, imply either a test centre error or a critical component that evaded detection. This inconsistency undermines confidence in the vehicle’s current roadworthiness, particularly if the failures were due to undocumented issues like failing emissions, electrical faults, or structural concerns. The lack of advisories or defects in the most recent pass does not negate the need for a thorough inspection, given the history of unresolved failures. The recorded mileage of 145,513 miles over 21 years reflects a steady, if not unusually high, annual average of approximately 6,929 miles. This suggests consistent use rather than neglect, though it also implies significant wear on high-mileage components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers. The gap between the September 2023 and August 2024 tests—roughly 11,000 miles—indicates the vehicle was driven actively during that period without intermediate maintenance. The repeated failures at nearly identical mileages in 2025, despite the same test centre, warrant scrutiny of whether the vehicle was driven to the test or if mileage was artificially inflated. Given this history, a buyer should prioritise an inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, which often fail around this mileage range. The repeated failures suggest potential issues with binding calipers, warped brake discs, or corrosion in the wheel arches or subframe, all of which could have been overlooked in previous tests. Electrical components, including the lighting system and emissions controls, should also be tested rigorously, as these are common causes of MOT failures without obvious mechanical defects. Structural integrity, especially around the sills and wheel arches, should be examined for signs of rust or weakening, as this model is prone to corrosion-related failures in high-mileage examples. The lack of advisories in recent tests does not guarantee these areas are sound.