2013 Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5L Diesel · DA62 OHS

The Mercedes-Benz Citan presents a clean MOT history, with the most recent test in October 2021 at 170,685 miles passing without any defects recorded. This suggests a stable maintenance trend at the time of the last inspection, though the absence of advisories or minor faults raises questions about whether routine servicing has been consistently addressed beyond the legal minimum. Without further records, it’s impossible to confirm whether issues have been resolved or simply avoided, but the lack of failures implies no immediate red flags were present during that test. However, the three-year gap since the last MOT—now extending to nearly five years from today’s date—is concerning for a vehicle of this age and mileage, particularly given the high annual mileage it has accumulated. The Citan’s mileage of 170,685 miles over roughly 13 years averages around 13,130 miles per year, which is well above the UK fleet average for a vehicle of this vintage. This level of usage accelerates wear on critical components, including brake pads and discs, suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain seals. The fact that the mileage has not increased since October 2021 could indicate the vehicle has been off the road for an extended period, which may mask underlying issues such as fluid degradation, seized bearings, or corrosion in hidden areas. Alternatively, it might suggest the current owner has prioritised avoiding further MOT tests rather than addressing maintenance proactively. Given the sparse MOT history, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system, focusing on coil springs, shock absorbers, and bushings for signs of fatigue or leaks. The brake system—particularly the rear calipers and discs—should be checked for binding, uneven wear, or corrosion, as high mileage increases the risk of seized components or fluid contamination. Exhaust emissions and the condition of the exhaust system should also be verified, as older diesel engines like this one can develop EGR or DPF-related issues if not serviced regularly. Structural integrity, especially around wheel arches and underbody panels, should be examined for corrosion, as the vehicle’s age and mileage heighten the risk of hidden rust compromising safety-critical components. Finally, fluid levels—including brake, coolant, and power steering—should be checked for contamination or low levels, as prolonged inactivity can exacerbate degradation. Tyre condition and tread depth must be verified, though the MOT record does not provide recent data on this. The absence of recorded faults in the last test does not guarantee the vehicle’s current state, and the extended MOT gap underscores the need for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic before any purchase is considered.