2014 Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5L Diesel · LN14 NNZ

The Citan presents a mixed maintenance picture that has stabilised recently, though the underlying history reveals a pattern of deferred wear items. The most recent test on 25 February 2026 at 162,651 miles passed cleanly with zero defects, which is a positive sign. That clean sheet, however, follows a failed test on 14 March 2025 at 145,226 miles where both front brake discs were significantly worn, both sets of front pads had reached their wear indicators, and both front lower suspension arm ball joints were excessively worn. The subsequent retest on 24 March 2025 at 145,572 miles passed, but still carried advisories for corroded offside rear brake pipes and a deteriorated nearside outer CV boot. The trend suggests a reactive rather than preventative approach to servicing, with major components replaced only after they reached failure point. At roughly 13,554 miles per year, this van has led a hard commercial life. The mileage accumulation is notably uneven. Between the March 2024 test at 117,221 miles and the March 2025 failure at 145,226 miles, the van covered approximately 28,000 miles in twelve months, a sharp increase that implies intensive use during that period. The gap between the March 2025 test and the February 2026 test shows only 17,079 miles over nearly eleven months, suggesting either reduced usage or a period of lighter duty. The sparse testing intervals make it difficult to establish a consistent servicing rhythm, and the rapid accumulation in 2024-2025 would have accelerated wear on drivetrain and braking components. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and braking system. The repeated failure of front lower suspension arm ball joints and worn suspension arm pins or bushes across multiple tests points to a component that may have been replaced but warrants checking for fresh play or uneven tyre wear. The front brake discs and pads were worn to their limits in March 2025, so verifying the current thickness of discs and pads is essential, along with checking for any scoring or lipping. The offside rear brake pipe corrosion flagged in both 2024 and 2025 remains a concern, as corroded flexi-hoses can deteriorate internally without visible external swelling, creating a risk of sudden failure under heavy braking. The nearside outer CV boot deterioration noted in March 2025 should be examined for splits or grease loss, as a failed boot leads to joint contamination and eventual driveshaft replacement. The non-obligatory stop lamp fault appearing in both 2024 and 2025 suggests an intermittent electrical issue that may have been resolved but could recur. Given the van's high annual mileage and the reactive maintenance pattern evident in the record, a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion, particularly around brake lines, subframes, and suspension mounting points, is strongly advised before purchase.