2014 Citroen Nemo 1.2L Diesel · DX63 VGZ

The 2014 Citroen Nemo left its 2026 MOT journey without any entries visible to me, which means the most recent recorded test outcome is from 2024. On that date the vehicle passed, but only after failing earlier in the same month with several Major defects, including an illuminated engine management indicator, an inoperative offside rear fog lamp, a headlamp aim problem, and excessively worn rear upper shock absorber bushes. Recurring defects across the recent history point firmly at a worsening rather than stable maintenance trend. The engine MIL has now appeared on three separate occasions over consecutive tests, the rear fog lamp has failed twice, anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers have deteriorated progressively from advisory to major, both front coil springs fractured on the 2021 test, and rear suspension bushes were already showing excessive wear by 2024. Advisories also tend to repeat, including position lamp interference issues, a smooth brake pedal, seat belt damage to the nearside front, and an oil leak which was first flagged in 2022 and noted again in 2023. A prospective purchaser should therefore not view the 2024 pass as evidence of sound condition; it simply reflects that the specific Major items were rectified or cleared on the day. Recorded mileage stands at 142,669 miles across roughly twelve years, which works out to approximately 11,889 miles per year. This is broadly typical for a small van of this age and suggests the vehicle has been used consistently rather than left standing for long periods, which is generally positive for mechanical conditioning but does mean wear-related components will be approaching the latter stages of their service life. There is no obvious gap or sudden spike in the mileage progression visible from the test dates, indicating steady commercial or fleet-style utilisation. At this accumulated mileage, drivetrain wear, clutch condition, turbo and injector condition on the diesel engine, and general consumable fatigue should all be considered normal areas of concern. A physical inspection should begin with the suspension, given that both front coil springs fractured on the 2021 test and both rear upper shock absorber bushes were recorded as excessively worn in 2024. During a road test, listen for clonking or knocking over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, and check the rear ride height for any sagging. Inspect the front and rear anti-roll bar linkages and drop links for perished or split dust covers, play in the ball joints when the wheel is rocked by hand, and any signs of grease contamination. Brake pedal smoothness was advised in 2023 and again in 2024, which often points to a worn or glazed pedal pad but can also mask underlying servo issues, so check for firm pedal feel and an even bite. Examine the rear position and fog lamp assemblies for water ingress, corroded bulb holders, and earthing faults, as these have been recurring electrical issues. Confirm that the engine management light is genuinely off under load and not simply cleared before the test, and request a live diagnostic scan to identify any stored fault codes relating to emissions, sensors, or DPF performance on the diesel unit. Beyond the recorded defects, age- and mileage-appropriate checks remain essential. Inspect all tyres closely for age-related sidewall cracking and perishing as well as tread depth, given the previous advisories for edge wear and cracking in the offside rear. Check the underside and suspension components thoroughly for corrosion, particularly given twelve winters of road salt and 142,669 miles of accumulated grime, and pay close attention to floor pans, inner sills, and the rear axle area. Verify that the 12V battery is holding charge, as commercial vans frequently undertake short journeys that do not fully recharge it, and check the age of the battery itself. Confirm when the timing belt and water pump were last replaced on the diesel engine, as these items are service-interval critical. Inspect for oil leaks along the engine, gearbox, and power steering, given the recurring oil leak advisories, and verify the condition and age of the brake fluid, coolant, and clutch fluid, all of which degrade with calendar age regardless of mileage. Finally, check the seat belt webbing on the nearside front, which has been advised twice for slight damage, and ensure all interior and exterior lamps function correctly before purchase.