2017 Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5L Diesel · NG66 ABU

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 5 July 2025, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning. The history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than preventative maintenance, with multiple major failures recorded in both 2024 and 2025. The recurrence of steering component failures and the emergence of significant engine-related issues suggest that the vehicle has been maintained to a minimum legal standard rather than a comprehensive mechanical standard. With 133,343 recorded miles over approximately nine years, this vehicle has averaged nearly 15,000 miles per annum. This is considered high usage for this model and typically indicates a commercial application. Such mileage accumulation places significant stress on the drivetrain, suspension bushes, and engine internals. Prospective buyers should anticipate accelerated wear on all consumable components and a higher likelihood of fatigue in the chassis and mounting points. Particular attention must be paid to the engine due to the 2025 failure regarding excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration. Blue smoke is a primary indicator of oil ingress into the combustion chamber, which could stem from turbocharger failure, worn piston rings, or degraded valve stem seals. During a test drive, the buyer should monitor the exhaust output under load and check for excessive oil consumption or leaks around the turbocharger. The previous failures regarding both front and rear brake discs suggest a history of heavy wear, so the current thickness of the discs and the condition of the calipers should be verified to ensure there is no binding or scoring. The steering system has shown a recurring weakness, with track rod end failures on both the nearside and offside in consecutive years. The buyer should listen for clunks or knocks when turning the steering wheel at low speeds and inspect the tyres for uneven wear patterns, which would indicate lingering alignment issues. Additionally, the recent advisory regarding the nearside front tyre indicates it is nearing the legal limit and will require immediate replacement. Finally, given the high mileage, it is essential to verify the service history for regular oil changes and to inspect the condition of the coolant and brake fluids to ensure they have not degraded over time.