2018 Citroen Dispatch 2.0L Diesel · JB13 LSB

A pattern of chronic rear brake wear defines the mechanical history of this 2018 Citroen Dispatch, with a dangerous failure recorded on 25 September 2025 for rear brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick. The vehicle passed the very next day once the pads were replaced, but the same test carried forward advisories for both rear brake discs being pitted and scored, alongside a gearbox oil leak. This rear brake deterioration is not an isolated event, as advisories for pitted rear discs appeared again in 2023, and similar scoring has been flagged on the front discs in 2022 and 2023. The presence of two dangerous failures in the recorded history (the brake pad issue in 2025 and a nearside rear tyre bulge caused by structural separation in 2022) indicates that worn consumables have reached safety-critical thresholds before being addressed on more than one occasion. Recorded mileage of 91,797 miles across eight years equates to approximately 11,475 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a working light commercial vehicle of this age. The testing pattern shows consistent annual or biennial submissions from 2021 onwards with steady mileage progression between tests, reflecting regular operational use rather than long periods off the road. For a commercial vehicle of this type and mileage, the braking system, clutch, dual-mass flywheel, suspension bushes, and drivetrain mounts will have accumulated substantial wear. The recurring advisories across multiple test cycles suggest that brake components in particular are being consumed through active service use rather than standing idle. Given the documented brake wear pattern, any prospective test drive must begin with a thorough braking assessment. The pedal should feel firm and progressive without excessive travel, and the vehicle should pull up squarely without any pulling to one side, which would indicate binding calipers or uneven pad transfer from the scored discs now fitted. Listen for any scraping, grinding, or metallic contact noises from the front and rear axles, particularly at low speed, as the scored disc surfaces flagged repeatedly are prone to producing audible roughness when pads are run down. Check that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, as the dangerous pad failure recorded suggests the rear braking circuit has been allowed to deteriorate to a critical state previously. The persistent gearbox oil leak, noted as a non-excessive advisory in both 2022 and 2025, warrants a physical inspection beneath the vehicle for fresh drips on the gearbox housing, bellhousing, and surrounding undertray components. On the test route, listen for any clonking or roughness when selecting gears, as a persistent seal leak over a three-year period can lead to gradual loss of fluid and accelerated synchro wear. Inspect the inner sidewalls of the front tyres for the uneven edge wear that was flagged in 2022, and verify that no flat spotting or bulges are present on the rear tyres, mirroring the dangerous structural failure previously recorded. A final check should be made of the rear brake disc surfaces via the wheel apertures for visible lipping or deep pitting, as these discs were carrying advisories at the most recent test and may now require replacement if pads have been renewed against worn surfaces.