2014 Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5L Diesel · BL14 ABN

The most recent MOT, carried out on 20 November 2025, was a pass, with only a minor fault for a nearside rear registration‑plate lamp. This follows a failed test just six days earlier that recorded a dangerous front‑tyre tread depth, several major lighting faults and an inoperative engine malfunction‑indicator lamp. Over the preceding years the vehicle has shown a pattern of recurring advisories – notably slight play in the front track‑rod and suspension‑arm ball joints, wear on both front and rear brake discs and a deteriorated CV boot – but no further failures. The recent pass suggests that the critical defects identified in the November 2025 failure have been remedied, yet the history indicates a maintenance record that is more reactive than proactive, with a slight trend toward increasing attention required on wear items. At 173,438 miles recorded for a 2014 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 14,500 miles, which is well above the typical 8‑10,000 miles per year for a private‑use vehicle. Such a high utilisation rate points to accelerated wear on consumables and load‑bearing components. The mileage suggests the engine, transmission, and differential have been subject to sustained loading, which can hasten bearing wear, oil degradation and potential timing‑chain or cam‑shaft wear. It also raises the likelihood of premature suspension bushings, tyre ageing and brake‑disc thinning, especially given the documented ball‑joint play and disc advisories. A prospective buyer should give the front and rear tyres a thorough visual and tactile inspection, confirming at least 1.6 mm tread across the width and checking the sidewalls for cracking, dry‑rot or bulges that can develop with age and high mileage. While the dangerous tread condition has been rectified, the tyre age may still be a factor; any tyre older than six years should be considered for replacement regardless of tread depth. During a test drive, listen for any clunk or knock when steering over bumps, which could indicate the slight ball‑joint play noted in successive MOTs, and feel for any steering wander or uneven pull that would suggest worn bushings or misalignment. Inspect the front brake discs for scoring or uneven wear and measure pad thickness; the advisories from 2024 imply the discs are approaching the limit of safe service life, so a full brake service may be imminent. Verify that the off‑side rear stop lamp, rear registration‑plate lamp and washer system now operate correctly, as these were major failures in 2025. Beyond the immediate wear items, check the condition of the CV boot on the off‑side front drive‑shaft – severe deterioration can lead to grease loss and joint failure, often manifested by a clicking noise on acceleration or deceleration. Examine the engine bay for any oil, coolant or brake‑fluid leaks, and confirm that the engine’s MIL light is extinguished, indicating the underlying fault has been resolved. Given the vehicle’s age, assess the 12‑volt battery for voltage and cranking performance, as batteries tend to lose capacity after five to seven years even if the car is driven regularly. Finally, request a full service history and any receipts for recent tyre, brake or suspension work; confirming that these items have been replaced with genuine parts and correctly fitted will provide confidence that the vehicle’s high mileage has been managed with appropriate maintenance.