2014 Citroen Berlingo 1.6L Diesel · NV64 AAK

The most recent MOT on 17 June 2026 was passed, but it carried three advisories highlighting play in the steering rack inner joints on both sides, slight play in the nearside front track‑rod end ball joint and wear on the inner bushings of both front control arms. Compared with the 6 June 2024 failure, where both front coil springs fractured, the CV‑joint boots were split and the off‑side lower suspension arm bush was excessively worn, the vehicle has clearly moved from a major‑defect state to a passable condition. However, the persistence of steering‑rack and ball‑joint play suggests that the underlying wear has not been fully rectified, indicating a maintenance trend that is improving but still requires attention. At 133 555 miles for a 2014 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 11 130 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope for a light commercial van of this age. There are no obvious periods of prolonged inactivity that would point to severe calendar ageing, nor is there evidence of unusually high mileage accumulation that would accelerate wear of major drivetrain components. Consequently the mileage alone does not raise immediate red flags, but it does mean that wear items such as suspension bushings, steering linkages and tyre tread are likely to be approaching the end of their service lives. A prospective buyer should give the steering system a thorough examination. With advisory‑recorded play in the rack inner joints and the nearside track‑rod end, expect possible steering wobble, a vague knock when turning the wheel at low speed, or uneven tyre wear. Inspect the rack boots for any oil seepage, check the condition of the ball joints and control‑arm inner bushings for excessive movement, and verify whether the front coil springs have been replaced since the 2024 fracture. The CV‑joint boots on both front outer drive‑shaft joints should be examined for cracks or dried‑out rubber, as any ingress of dirt could precipitate joint failure. On a test drive listen for clunking or thudding from the front suspension over bumps, feel for any looseness in the steering column, and watch for any vibration that may indicate worn springs or bushings. Given the vehicle’s age, also inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, perishing or dry‑rot, especially since previous MOTs flagged tyres close to the legal limit on both front and rear axles. Verify that the tyre tread depth is above 1.6 mm across the width and that there is no uneven wear that would point to alignment or suspension issues. Check the 12 V battery for voltage and cranking performance, as a 12‑year‑old battery is prone to failure. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the calipers move freely without sticking. Finally, confirm that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals, as time‑based degradation can occur even on low‑use vehicles. A comprehensive visual inspection combined with a careful road test will reveal whether the remaining advisory items have been adequately addressed or if further remedial work will be required shortly after purchase.