2014 Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5L Diesel · LS14 FPA

The most recent MOT on 26 March 2026 was passed, but it carried two advisories – the off‑side rear tyre is approaching the legal tread limit and the near‑side front suspension arm ball joint shows slight play. Over the past six years the record shows a mixture of clean passes and failures, with major suspension wear noted in early 2025 and dangerous tyre wear in early 2023. Although the tyre condition appears to have been remedied after the 2023 failure, the recurrence of front suspension arm and ball‑joint concerns indicates a maintenance trend that is not consistently improving and warrants close scrutiny. At 132,006 mi the Citroën is roughly 12 years old, giving an average of about 11 000 mi per annum. This is a typical usage pattern for a light commercial vehicle of this age and suggests no periods of extreme mileage accumulation. The mileage does not point to unusually high wear on high‑stress components, but the steady annual use means that consumables such as tyres, brakes, suspension bushes and engine oil will be approaching the end of their service lives and should be examined for age‑related degradation as well as mileage wear. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension assembly. Inspect both ball joints and the track‑rod ends for any looseness, clunking or uneven tyre wear during a short test‑drive, and verify that the steering feels tight without wandering. The near‑side ball joint already shows slight play and the off‑side was recorded as excessively worn a year earlier, so replacement may be imminent. Examine the constant‑velocity joint boot on the near‑side outer drive shaft for cracks or grease leakage, as a deteriorated boot can lead to joint failure. The rear tyre is close to the legal tread limit; check tread depth across the width and look for sidewall cracking, especially if the vehicle has spent time standing idle. The brake system also shows signs of wear – thin rear pads and a pitted front disc were noted – so measure pad thickness, feel for any shudder when braking, and ensure the discs are not scored beyond acceptable limits. Beyond the specific MOT items, a vehicle of this age should be inspected for time‑related issues. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery and consider a load test, as prolonged storage can reduce capacity. Check all fluid levels and dates of last change – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid typically require replacement every 12‑24 months regardless of mileage. Look for corrosion on the chassis, wheel arches and underbody, especially around suspension mounting points, and ensure the registration‑plate lamps on both sides function correctly. A full service book with stamps for major intervals, suspension component replacements and brake servicing will give confidence that the vehicle has been maintained in line with its mileage and age.