2014 Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5L Diesel · FN14 VDM

The most recent MOT carried out on 22 May 2026 was a clean pass with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the past six years the record shows a clear shift from a serious failure in 2021 – where multiple major items such as front‑brake imbalance, contaminated pads and discs, a leaking fuel‑filter component and excessive play in a track‑rod ball joint were flagged – to a series of passes with only minor advisories in 2022 and 2023 and clean results in 2024, 2025 and 2026. This pattern suggests that the major faults identified in 2021 were addressed and that the vehicle’s maintenance regime has stabilised and improved in recent years. At 262 293 miles the Citán has accumulated roughly 21 800 miles per annum, well above the average for a light commercial van of its age. Such a high annual mileage accelerates wear on consumables – tyre tread and sidewalls, brake pads and discs, suspension bushings and CV joint boots – and places greater stress on the engine and transmission. The mileage figure also implies that the vehicle has likely been used for frequent stop‑start duties or long‑haul work, both of which can exacerbate heat‑related degradation of brake components and fluid breakdown. No obvious mileage gaps are evident, so the wear is likely to be progressive rather than the result of long periods of inactivity. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the off‑side front CV joint boot that was noted as severely deteriorated in 2022. Inspect the boot for cracks, tears or grease leakage and listen for a rhythmic clicking noise when turning at low speed, which would indicate joint wear. The windscreen damage recorded in 2023, although minor, should be examined for any chips that could spread and compromise structural integrity. The off‑side front tyre was flagged as close to the legal limit in 2021; verify current tread depth on all four tyres, watch for uneven wear patterns that might point to mis‑alignment or worn suspension components, and check the sidewalls for age‑related cracking or perishing, especially given the vehicle’s age. The spare tyre was listed as defective, so confirm that a usable spare is present or budget for a replacement. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a thorough inspection of the braking system is essential. Examine the front discs for scoring, rust or uneven thickness and ensure the pads are not contaminated with oil or grease, a condition that previously caused a failure. Test the brake pedal for a firm, consistent feel and watch for any pulsation or shudder under hard braking, which could indicate warped rotors or uneven pad wear. The near‑side track‑rod ball joint that exhibited excessive play in 2021 should be checked for looseness or knocking when steering, and the steering rack and tie‑rod ends inspected for corrosion. Verify that the fuel‑filter assembly is sealed and free of leaks, and confirm that the washer fluid reservoir now supplies adequate fluid. Finally, assess the condition of the 12 V battery, coolant, brake fluid and engine oil, all of which degrade with time even when the vehicle is not driven heavily; a full fluid service and a load test on the battery would be prudent before committing to purchase.