2014 Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5L Diesel · GC14 CNN

The most recent MOT test on 14 June 2024 resulted in a pass, but the same date also shows a prior failure that was presumably rectified before the pass was issued. The pass carries five advisories covering a discoloured offside rear direction indicator, worn front and rear brake discs, a worn offside front inner suspension arm pin or bush, and front tyres worn close to the legal limit on both edges. The associated failure on the same day identified a non-functioning rear registration plate lamp and an offside front headlamp with aim set too low, both categorised as Major defects. Looking at the wider history, the trend is broadly stable but with a recurring theme of brake and tyre wear. The vehicle has passed every test since 2020, though it has accumulated multiple advisories relating to brake disc wear, brake pad wear, and premature tyre wear on the front axle across consecutive tests. There are no advisories relating to structural corrosion, fluid leaks, or major mechanical deterioration, which is a positive sign, but the consistency of brake and suspension advisories suggests these systems are approaching the point where component replacement rather than monitoring will be required. The recorded mileage of 83,923 miles over approximately twelve years equates to an average of around 7,000 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a small van of this type, particularly one likely used for light commercial or mixed domestic duties. There are no significant gaps or anomalous jumps between MOT readings, indicating consistent use rather than prolonged standing or erratic mileage accumulation. This kind of usage pattern is mechanically favourable compared to very low mileage examples that may suffer from seized calipers, brake disc corrosion, and fluid degradation, but it does mean wear-sensitive items such as brake discs, pads, suspension bushes, and tyres have been worked regularly. The fact that front brake discs were first flagged as worn but not excessively in 2023 and remained at the same advisory category in 2024 suggests steady wear progression rather than a sudden deterioration, which is consistent with normal service use. Given the mileage and age, drivetrain components such as the clutch, dual mass flywheel (if applicable to the transmission type), and timing chain should still have reasonable life remaining, but timing belt replacement intervals on diesel variants of this model must be verified through the service history. The repeated advisories on the front brake discs warrant close attention, as pitted and scored discs will eventually require machining or replacement, particularly if pad material has been allowed to contact the disc surface excessively. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder under light to moderate pedal pressure, which would indicate disc runout or thickness variation, and check for pulling to one side under braking. The offside front inner suspension arm pin or bush advisory from the latest test is a notable item, as worn suspension bushes on commercial vehicles tend to progress and can lead to imprecise steering, vague cornering feel, and uneven inner-edge tyre wear. On inspection, ask the vehicle to be raised if possible and check for free play in the front suspension by hand, and listen for clonking or rattling over speed humps and uneven road surfaces. The headlamp aim issue noted on the 2024 failure should have been rectified, but verify by switching on the headlights against a wall or garage door at night to confirm both lamps produce a level, symmetrical beam pattern with no excessive dip, and that all direction indicators including the offside rear operate with consistent brightness. The advisories on front tyre wear close to the legal limit, combined with the dangerous failures for exposed ply or cords on both front tyres in 2023, indicate a pattern of front tyres wearing out relatively quickly, which could point to unresolved alignment issues or aggressive front-end geometry, particularly under load. The 2022 advisory specifically notes front wheel alignment, and this should be confirmed as having been addressed, as out-of-spec alignment will continue to produce premature and uneven front tyre wear. Check that all four tyres are of matching size, load rating, and speed index, and inspect the sidewalls for any cracking, perishing, or bulges, which is particularly relevant for a twelve-year-old vehicle where age-related rubber degradation can occur regardless of tread depth. Inspect the rear brake pads, which were flagged at 3 mm in both 2023 and 2024, and budget for imminent replacement along with a thorough inspection of the rear brake calipers for binding or seized slide pins. Given the age of the vehicle, verify that the cambelt or timing chain service interval has been observed according to manufacturer schedule, check the 12V battery for holding charge under load, and ensure that all fluid services including brake fluid, coolant, and gearbox oil are within their recommended replacement periods, as calendar-based degradation of these fluids is a common oversight on vans of this age.