2009 Citroen Berlingo 1.6L Diesel · DN09 WPM

The most recent MOT test on 26 November 2025 resulted in a pass, although this followed an immediately prior failed test just two days earlier which had flagged two dangerous front tyres with exposed ply or cords, a missing nearside front steering rack gaiter, and a deteriorated track rod end dust cover. The advisories on the pass included a non-excessive oil leak, play in the steering rack inner joint, and a noted mismatch of tyre sizes between front and rear axles, alongside a minor defect for a severely deteriorated offside front outer constant velocity boot. Reviewing the broader history, there is a clear and persistent maintenance theme centred on steering and drivetrain sealing, with the offside front CV boot deterioration appearing as a minor defect across 2023, 2024, and 2025, and a steering rack gaiter failing in 2025 after slight free play was noted back in 2022. The 2024 test also recorded a rough nearside front wheel bearing, which although not subsequently flagged, warrants careful attention. Overall, the trend suggests a vehicle that has remained in roadworthy condition but with chronic wear items being addressed reactively rather than preventatively. Recorded mileage stands at 174,102 miles over approximately seventeen years, equating to an average annual mileage of around 10,241 miles, which is broadly in line with what would be expected for a commercial-oriented vehicle of this type. The MOT records do not provide individual odometer readings, so it is not possible to confirm exact gaps or clusters of mileage accumulation, but the pattern of frequent advisories relating to oil leaks, steering wear, and tyre condition suggests the vehicle has seen regular active use rather than long periods of standing. For a high-mileage Berlingo of this age, the implications include accelerated wear of suspension components, engine oil and fluid service intervals being reached sooner in terms of hours of operation than calendar time, and greater likelihood of clutch, gearbox, and dual-mass flywheel fatigue if fitted. A prospective buyer should treat the recurring offside front outer CV boot deterioration as a priority inspection item. The boot has been flagged as severely deteriorated in three consecutive tests, meaning that on a road test you should listen for a clicking or knocking noise on full lock turns, indicating grease loss from the joint and impending failure. A new boot and joint repack should be expected, and if left unattended the entire driveshaft may require replacement. The steering rack advisories and the 2025 failure items for the track rod end dust cover and missing gaiter also demand close scrutiny. On a test drive, pay attention to any looseness or wandering from the steering, clunks when traversing bumps, uneven front tyre wear which would indicate misalignment or worn components, and verify that the steering wheel returns crisply to centre. Given that dangerous tyres with exposed cords were recorded only two days before the latest pass, the current tyres must be verified as recent and correctly sized, particularly given the advisory about different tyre sizes fitted front to rear, which is both illegal and compromises handling. Beyond the recorded defects, a seventeen-year-old high-mileage Berlingo warrants a number of age and use related checks. Inspect the front brake discs for lipping and the calipers for seizing, which commonly occurs on vehicles of this vintage and leads to uneven pad wear and pulling under braking. Examine the underside and engine bay for the source of the persistent minor oil leak, which although not currently excessive could indicate ageing gaskets or sump seal deterioration. Check the condition of the coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid for age-related degradation, and confirm when the timing belt and water pump were last replaced, as these are critical service items on high-mileage vehicles. Test the 12 volt battery under load, inspect all suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and coil springs for cracking or sagging, and verify that the exhaust system is free from corrosion leaks particularly at the flexi joint and rear silencer. Finally, confirm a complete service history with evidence of regular oil and filter changes, as consistent servicing is the single most reliable indicator of long-term mechanical durability in a vehicle of this age and mileage.