2020 Citroen Berlingo 1.5L Diesel · LB69 MRO

The most recent MOT, dated 28 November 2024, was passed but flagged an advisory that the front brake pads are approaching the minimum thickness. Over the last three years the vehicle has shown a mixed record: a clean pass in 2023, a failure in the same year for ineffective front wipers and low headlamp aim, and an advisory in 2022 for a front tyre worn close to the legal limit together with headlamp aim being too high. The pattern indicates that while the vehicle has generally been kept road‑worthy, recurring wear items – notably the front tyres, brake pads and lighting alignment – have not been fully resolved, suggesting a maintenance trend that is stabilising but still requires attention to prevent deterioration. At six years old the van has logged 102,295 miles, an average of roughly 17,000 miles per annum, which is above the typical usage for a light commercial vehicle of this age. Such mileage accelerates the wear of consumables such as brake discs, pads, tyre sidewalls and suspension components, and it also places additional load on the engine and gearbox. The high annual mileage combined with the recorded front‑tyre wear suggests that the vehicle has been driven hard, possibly on frequent stop‑start routes, which can exacerbate brake and tyre degradation and promote early fatigue in bushings and mounts. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the front braking system. Inspect the pad thickness visually and feel for any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes at moderate speed – symptoms of worn pads or warped discs. Examine the brake discs for scoring or excessive rust, and verify that the calipers move freely without binding. The front tyre that was noted as close to the legal limit should be measured for tread depth across the tread face and sidewalls; any uneven wear could point to mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes or a failing steering component. Test the wipers for full sweep and adequate clearance, and check headlamp aim by observing the light pattern on a wall at night – a low or high aim can reduce effective illumination and may indicate a need for headlamp adjustment or replacement of the lamp housing. Beyond the recorded defects, the vehicle’s age and mileage warrant a thorough general inspection. Look for cracked or perished tyre sidewalls, especially if the tyres have been stored for long periods, and verify that the tyre pressure is within specification. Check the 12‑volt battery for terminal corrosion and assess its charge holding capacity, as high‑mileage vans often sit idle between jobs. Inspect the suspension for any clunking over bumps, which can reveal worn coil springs, shock absorbers or deteriorated rubber bushes. Finally, confirm that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed at the recommended intervals; fluid colour and level can reveal whether time‑based servicing has been neglected, which is critical for a vehicle with this level of utilisation.