2017 Citroen Berlingo 1.6L Diesel · LD67 FWS

The most recent MOT on 16 April 2026 was a Pass, with only an advisory that the front brake pads are wearing thin. Over the past three years the vehicle has moved from a series of failures – notably lamp outages, emissions limits being exceeded and a fault with the engine MIL – to consecutive passes, indicating that the owner has addressed the major safety items. However, recurring advisories concerning the front brake pads, steering rack play and a deteriorated CV boot suggest that while the immediate safety status is acceptable, underlying wear items remain unresolved and will require attention soon. At 111,552 miles the van averages roughly 12,400 miles per year, which is above the typical usage for a light commercial vehicle of this age. The higher annual mileage accelerates wear on consumables such as brake discs, pads, tyres and suspension components, and it also increases the likelihood of internal engine and transmission wear. There are no obvious mileage gaps in the MOT record, so the mileage appears to be genuine and reflects consistent use rather than long periods of storage, which would have presented different age‑related concerns. A prospective buyer should give the front braking system a thorough inspection. Measure the remaining pad thickness and examine the discs for scoring or glazing; a thin pad will likely be replaced within the next few thousand miles and could be accompanied by brake shudder if the discs are compromised. Verify that all external lamps – position, stop, and registration plate bulbs – illuminate correctly, as repeated failures suggest possible wiring issues or a weak battery. During a test drive, listen for any clunk or knock when steering through full lock, which would confirm the steering rack inner joint play noted in the 2025 advisory, and feel for any looseness or vibration in the steering column. Inspect the off‑side front driveshaft CV boot for cracks or leaking grease; a deteriorated boot can allow contamination of the joint, leading to joint failure and noisy operation. Also check the condition of the central front seat‑belt webbing and the brake‑pedal rubber, replacing them if frayed or excessively smooth to maintain safety compliance. Given the vehicle’s age, examine the tyre sidewalls for dry‑rot, cracking or hardening, and confirm that tread depth is even across all four wheels, as uneven wear can indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes. Test the 12 V battery voltage and load, especially if the vehicle has been idle for periods, and look for corrosion on battery terminals and under‑body chassis. Inspect the exhaust system for rust or holes, and ensure that the emission‑related faults have been rectified – a functional catalytic converter and clean O₂ sensors are essential for a reliable MOT. Finally, request the service book to confirm regular oil, coolant and brake‑fluid changes; fluids should be clear and at the correct level, with brake fluid replaced at least every two years to avoid moisture buildup. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the van’s current mechanical health and the likely cost of imminent maintenance.