2014 Citroen Berlingo 1.6L Diesel · GD14 LRO

The most recent MOT, dated 9 December 2025, was passed with a single minor advisory for a damaged windscreen that does not impair the driver’s view. While earlier tests from 2019 to early 2022 showed no recorded defects, the appearance of a major off‑side front coil‑spring fracture in the 4 December 2025 failure and a severely deteriorated constant‑velocity boot on the off‑side front outer drive‑shaft joint in the 26 November 2024 pass indicate a clear deterioration in the vehicle’s condition over the last two years. The recurring windscreen advisory each year is a low‑risk cosmetic issue, but the structural and drivetrain faults suggest the maintenance trend is now worsening rather than stable. At 149,352 miles on a 2014 model the average annual mileage works out to roughly 12,400 miles per year, which is considerably above the typical UK private‑car average of around 7‑8 000 miles. Such a high utilisation rate accelerates wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads, discs and suspension components, and it also increases the likelihood of internal engine and drivetrain fatigue. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, implying the vehicle has been in regular use rather than sitting idle for long periods, which means age‑related perishing is less of a concern than mileage‑related degradation. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the off‑side front suspension. The fractured coil spring will have required replacement; verify that the new spring was fitted with the correct specification and that the associated shock absorber and mounting bushes were inspected for wear. During a test drive listen for any clunk or knock when traversing bumps or applying steering input, and check for uneven front‑wheel tyre wear that could signal lingering alignment or bush wear issues. The CV boot on the front outer drive‑shaft joint, noted as severely deteriorated in 2024, is prone to grease loss and eventual joint failure; inspect the boot for cracks, grease leakage and any clicking or whirring noises on acceleration, especially when turning. The windscreen damage, while minor, should be examined for any hidden cracks that could spread under stress. Given the vehicle’s age of twelve years, independent of mileage it is prudent to assess time‑related components. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, tread depth and age (look for the four‑digit DOT code); tyres older than six years should be considered for replacement regardless of tread. Test the 12‑volt battery’s cranking voltage and check for corrosion on terminals, as batteries tend to lose capacity after five to seven years. Inspect brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear that may indicate binding calipers, and confirm that pads have sufficient material. Finally, verify that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed at appropriate intervals, and look for any signs of oil or coolant leaks around the engine bay and under the vehicle, as fluid degradation can be accelerated by high mileage and prolonged use.