2014 Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5L Diesel · OE14 NPO

A dominant feature of this 2014 Mercedes‑Benz Citan is the repeat appearance of corrosion‑related and drivetrain defects, highlighted by two consecutive years in which both outer drive‑shaft CV boots were recorded as split and no longer protecting against dirt ingress, and multiple brake‑pipe corrosion items ranging from excessive corrosion to material build‑up. The latest MOT on 29 October 2025 was a pass, but it still carried advisories for front‑disc wear and a near‑side front brake pipe showing surface corrosion, underscoring that the underlying corrosion trend has not been fully resolved despite the recent pass. At 104 357 mi the vehicle averages roughly 8 700 mi per annum, a figure that sits comfortably within normal usage for a light commercial van of this age. The MOT chronology shows no large gaps in testing, indicating the mileage has been recorded consistently each year. This moderate annual accumulation suggests that wear on high‑frequency items such as brake pads, discs and suspension bushings will be in line with typical service intervals, but the recorded mileage also means consumables are approaching the point where replacement is often required on comparable units. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the drive‑shaft CV boots and associated joints; a split boot can allow grit to contaminate the joint, leading to joint failure, vibration or a whining noise under acceleration. On a road test, listen for a metallic grinding or rattling from the rear axle, especially when changing load or speed. The brake‑pipe corrosion noted on both sides—excessive corrosion on the off‑side front pipe and near‑side rear pipe—warrants a visual inspection for rust pitting, leaks or weakened sections, and a functional check of pedal feel for any sponginess that could indicate fluid loss. The front‑disc advisory points to surface pitting; while still within legal limits, the discs may be nearing the end of their service life and could exhibit reduced braking efficiency or vibration when applied. The suspension record includes a near‑side front track‑rod end ball joint with slight play and a fractured off‑side front coil spring that caused a failure in 2023. Both items merit a thorough inspection: the track‑rod end should be checked for looseness or clunking when steering through kerbs, and the coil spring condition must be verified visually for cracks or deformation, as a compromised spring can lead to uneven tyre wear or handling instability. Additionally, the rear tyre bulge recorded as dangerous in 2022 must be confirmed as replaced; any remaining bulge or uneven tread wear should be flagged immediately. Overall, the buyer should budget for potential replacement of the CV boots, brake pipes, front brake discs, and any worn suspension components to ensure continued roadworthiness.