2017 Citroen Berlingo 1.6L Diesel · CF17 KLS

The most recent DVSA examination on 16 June 2026 returned a PASS, although this followed a failed attempt just four days earlier on 12 June 2026 which addressed several significant defects including a dangerously low offside rear tyre tread, a fluctuating front service brake, and an incorrectly projected offside front headlamp beam. The pattern across the last three test cycles shows a recurring and escalating theme of defects, with two MOT failures within four days in June 2026, another failure in May 2025 featuring multiple lighting failures and a dangerous tyre, and a further failure in June 2024 that included a fractured nearside front coil spring. The recurrence of similar categories of failure, particularly lighting malfunctions, tyre tread depth issues, and suspension component wear, suggests the vehicle is being maintained on a reactive basis rather than proactively, and a prospective buyer should regard the recent test history as a worsening rather than stable trend. With 50,246 miles recorded over approximately nine years, the vehicle averages around 5,583 miles per year, which is considerably below typical mileage for a commercial-derived multi-purpose vehicle such as the Berlingo. Such low annual usage often correlates with extended periods of standing, which can promote corrosion of brake discs, binding of brake calipers, deterioration of 12V battery capacity, ageing of rubber components including tyres and suspension bushes, and time-based degradation of fluids including brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil. The mileage gaps implied by this figure suggest that the recorded defects such as fractured coil springs and worn suspension bushes may be more attributable to age and corrosion-related fatigue than to high-mileage wear, and buyers should be mindful that calendar-driven deterioration can be just as significant as wear-driven deterioration. The advisories recorded in June 2026 warrant close inspection, particularly the splitting rear bush on the offside front suspension arm, which if left unaddressed could lead to excessive movement and a future test failure or noticeable knocking or vague steering response. The discoloured rear direction indicators should be checked for water ingress and bulb holder corrosion, which is a common failure point on vehicles of this age. The brake pad advisory from May 2025 and the fluctuating front brake recorded during the June 2026 failure together point to the need for a thorough brake system inspection, including measurement of disc thickness, caliper slide pin operation, and flexible hose integrity, as fluctuating brake performance can indicate uneven disc wear, contaminated pads, or a sticking caliper. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or squealing under light braking, feel for vibration through the pedal or steering wheel, and confirm the vehicle pulls neither left nor right under firm stopping. The dangerous tyre failures and recurring lighting defects across multiple test cycles indicate that routine pre-MOT checks have been inconsistent, and a prospective buyer should personally verify all tyres for both legal tread depth and visible sidewall cracking or perishing given the vehicle's age and low usage. All bulbs, including headlamp dipped beam, position lamps, registration plate lamps, and stop lamps, should be confirmed as functional, and headlamp beam pattern and alignment should be assessed against a flat wall to ensure the offside beam image is correctly formed. Despite the relatively low mileage, the fractured coil spring recorded in 2024 and the recurring suspension bush advisories warrant physical inspection of all springs, particularly on the nearside front, and a check for uneven tyre wear that might indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues. Additionally, given the extended standing periods likely implied by the mileage, the coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil should be considered overdue on a calendar basis and the battery load-tested to confirm its state of health.