2018 Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5L Diesel · CY68 HEU

The Citan presents a mixed mechanical picture, with a recent MOT pass in December 2025 undermined by recurring consumable failures. The most recent test on 2025-12-17 at 104,562 miles passed, but only after the vehicle failed the previous day on a nearside rear tyre worn to the legal limit and rear brake pads measuring under 1.5 mm. This pattern of failing on basic wear items before passing suggests the previous owner allowed critical components to degrade to the point of illegality before replacing them. The trend is stable regarding structural integrity, yet worsening concerning basic upkeep, as tyre wear and brake wear appear repeatedly at the point of failure rather than being addressed proactively. Accumulating 104,562 miles over eight years equates to roughly 13,070 miles annually, a high figure that accelerates wear on drivetrain components, suspension, and brakes. The mileage progression shows a notable gap between January 2024 at 90,529 miles and December 2024 at 99,075 miles, representing 8,546 miles covered in eleven months. From December 2024 to December 2025, the van added just 5,487 miles, indicating either a drop in usage or a period of prolonged standing. High mileage alone does not condemn a commercial vehicle, but the MOT record implies routine servicing was neglected, given the severely worn tyres and brake pads flagged at the 104,561-mile test. A physical inspection must focus on the drivetrain and wheel arches, particularly the offside front constant velocity boot. The tester flagged this boot as split and insecure during the December 2024 failure at 99,075 miles, meaning dirt and water have likely ingressed into the joint for over a year and a half. Examine the joint for play or clicking during a tight-turn test, and check for evidence of grease expulsion. Repeated tyre failures on both nearside and offside edges point to worn suspension bushes, damaged coil springs, or misaligned tracking. Inspect the inner and outer tyre sidewalls for damage and the suspension components for play, as edge wear typically indicates worn dampers or sagging springs. Assess the rear brake discs for scoring, as pads worn below 1.5 mm risk metal-on-metal contact, compromising braking efficiency and causing costly rotor damage. The repeated failure on tyre condition across multiple tests suggests a lack of regular checks by the previous owner. A thorough underbody inspection is essential to determine whether the constant velocity joint has suffered irreversible damage from contamination.