2014 Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5L Diesel · LR14 AAF

A chronic and worsening brake-related defect pattern dominates the MOT history of this Citan and is the central mechanical concern for any prospective buyer. Front brake disc pitting and scoring has been recorded as an advisory at every test since at least 2022, appearing across both sides in 2023 and persisting into 2024. The 2024 test escalated significantly, with the same front disc advisory accompanied by a Dangerous failure for rear brake pads worn below 1.5 mm, indicating that the braking system has reached a point where pad material had been allowed to wear to a critically low level. The fact that discs were already pitted before the brake pads were replaced suggests prolonged use of worn pads against compromised rotors, a combination that typically accelerates disc wear and produces uneven braking response. A Major failure was also recorded on the same date for excessive play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, meaning the steering linkage had developed measurable looseness, and a further Major defect noted that the registration plate lamp failed to illuminate with the position lamps. Although the re-test on the same date returned a Pass, the simultaneous presence of a Dangerous brake pad item and a steering component Major indicates the vehicle was presented in a notably poor state of repair on that occasion. Recorded mileage of 96,518 over approximately twelve years equates to an annual accumulation of around 8,043 miles, which is broadly typical for a light commercial vehicle of this age and usage class, suggesting fairly regular daily operation rather than long periods of standing. The MOT history on file covers 2022, 2023 and 2024, with the most recent test being the August 2024 re-test, and there are no extended gaps in testing that would point to a multi-year lay-up. For a van of this mileage and duty cycle, wear on suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, clutch components and drivetrain mounts would be expected to accumulate, and the recorded defects are consistent with a working vehicle that has covered consistent but not excessive annual mileage. The presence of CV boot deterioration advisories on both sides across two consecutive tests confirms that the drive shafts have been exposed to ongoing wear typical of regular commercial use on varied road surfaces. A pre-purchase evaluation should begin with a close visual and tactile inspection of the front brake discs, checking for a pronounced lip on the outer edge, visible rust pitting, and any blueing or heat marks indicating overheating. On a road test, listen for brake squeal or grinding under moderate pedal pressure and feel for any judder or vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal when stopping from speed, as both are consistent with the recorded disc pitting. With the rear brake pads having been recorded as dangerously worn, the replacement pads and discs should be physically inspected to confirm they were renewed to an adequate thickness and that the caliper slides are free, as binding rear calipers are common on vans that have sat with the parking brake applied. The track rod end failure means the steering geometry should be checked for uneven tyre wear, particularly on the offside front, and the joint itself rocked by hand with the wheel lifted to detect any remaining play or stiffness. Additional attention should be paid to the brake pipes, which have been flagged as corroded or covered in contaminant material across multiple tests, as this is the sort of advisory that can progress to an MOT failure once surface corrosion develops into wall thinning. Inspect the underbody brake lines along their full length, paying particular attention to unions and clips where corrosion tends to initiate. The CV boot deterioration advisories recorded on both sides in 2023 indicate that the protective boots had already split, allowing grease loss and potential water ingress; check for fresh grease deposits inside the front wheels, listen for clicking or knocking from the front drivetrain when turning at low speed, and look for vibration through the drivetrain under load. Finally, a thorough road test over varied surfaces including bumps and uneven roads will help reveal any knocks from worn suspension components, and the steering should be checked for vagueness or pulling, given the recorded track rod end play and the mileage typical of a working commercial vehicle.