2016 Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5L Diesel · OU16 DHM

The most recent MOT test on 7 March 2026 resulted in a pass, but with a minor defect recorded for the offside front brake hose being slightly damaged. This is a relatively straightforward issue, but it warrants prompt attention because compromised brake hoses can lead to fluid leaks and a spongy or unresponsive brake pedal under heavy pedal application. Looking at the broader MOT history, the maintenance trend is mixed rather than cleanly improving or worsening. The vehicle passed cleanly in 2021 and 2024, but the 2022 test exposed multiple tyres worn close to the legal limit, the 2023 test resulted in a failure due to a fractured offside rear coil spring, and the 2025 test flagged front tyres again at the legal limit alongside worn and pitted front discs. The recurrence of suspension and braking component advisories over consecutive tests suggests that wear items are being left to deteriorate to a borderline state rather than being addressed proactively, which is a point worth raising with the seller and verifying through service records. With recorded mileage of 104,738 miles over approximately ten years of use, this Citan has covered an average of around 10,500 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a small commercial-derived van of its age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing history, so there is no clear evidence of long periods standing idle, which reduces the likelihood of severe standing corrosion, seized brake calipers, or battery degradation from inactivity. However, at this mileage, higher wear items such as clutch components, dual-mass flywheels (if applicable), turbocharger actuators, and suspension bushes will have been subjected to considerable accumulated stress, particularly if the vehicle has been used for heavier commercial duties rather than light private use. It is worth confirming whether the mileage recorded is genuine by cross-checking service book entries and asking for evidence of any major drivetrain work. The most significant item in the MOT history is the fractured offside rear coil spring recorded as a failure in March 2023. A broken coil spring can drop suddenly and is both dangerous and illegal to drive with, so any replacement at the time should have been thorough. Given that coil springs do not typically fail in matched pairs on both sides simultaneously but do degrade at similar rates depending on loading, it is prudent to inspect the nearside rear spring on a test drive. Listen and feel for any knocking or clonking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, observe whether the vehicle sits level at the rear, and check for uneven rear tyre wear that could indicate spring sag or a fatigued damper. The 2025 advisories for worn, pitted, and scored front brake discs are also noteworthy because once brake discs reach a state of significant pitting they tend to require replacement rather than machining, particularly on a commercial vehicle. During a test drive, listen for brake shudder or pulsation through the pedal under firm braking, and check for uneven or shiny patches on the disc faces which would indicate warping or lipping beyond serviceable limits. Beyond the items flagged in the MOT history, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants several age- and time-related physical checks regardless of what the records show. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with age even when tread depth appears adequate, and a 2016-van tyre fitted within the last couple of years is acceptable but an original ten-year-old tyre is not. Check the date code on the sidewall. Examine the front and rear brake calipers for any signs of binding or sticking, particularly given the disc wear noted in 2025, and look for uneven brake pad wear across each axle. Verify the condition of the 12V battery, as Mercedes-Benz vans of this era are sensitive to voltage drop and battery age can trigger warning lights and electrical gremlins. Confirm when the brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil were last changed, as these are calendar-based services rather than purely mileage-based. Finally, check the rear coil spring replacement receipts from 2023, inspect for any oil seepage from the rear dampers, and ensure the windscreen chip noted in 2023 has not progressed into a crack that could compromise structural integrity or visibility.