2004 Citroen Berlingo 2.0L Diesel · NV53 SCZ

The 2023 MOT failure highlights significant safety and mechanical concerns, with multiple critical defects including nearside headlamp misalignment, tyre tread below legal limits, and excessive play in steering and wheel bearings. These issues suggest ongoing wear in suspension and steering components, which were also flagged in earlier MOTs. The 2022 and 2021 failures repeatedly identified suspension arm bush wear, steering rack play, and brake system deficiencies, indicating a pattern of progressive degradation rather than isolated incidents. The vehicle’s mileage of 118,112 miles at 22 years old equates to roughly 5,369 miles per year, which is low for its age. This could imply infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity, both of which may exacerbate issues like corrosion, fluid degradation, and component stiffness. However, the low mileage does not guarantee mechanical health, as under-use can lead to premature wear in parts not regularly engaged, such as brakes or suspension. The trend of recurring defects—particularly in suspension, steering, and braking systems—suggests a worsening condition. For example, nearside wheel bearing play and suspension arm bush wear were noted in multiple MOTs, with the 2023 failure adding new issues like windscreen wiper inefficiency and a deteriorated registration plate. While some defects, like body corrosion, were addressed in later MOTs, the persistence of mechanical faults indicates unresolved underlying problems. The low mileage relative to age complicates the assessment.