2018 Citroen Berlingo 1.6L Diesel · PF 2255

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 15 June 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded, which is an encouraging immediate result for any prospective buyer. However, when assessed against the broader history, the maintenance trend is best described as inconsistent rather than stable or improving. The 2025 test alone recorded two Dangerous brake pad failures at both axles alongside a Major anti-roll bar linkage defect, all of which represent serious safety items rather than minor advisories. The earlier 2024 test also produced failures around lighting and stop lamp function, while 2022 recorded a seat belt functionality defect and a perished suspension ball joint dust cover. A clean 2026 pass is welcome, but the pattern of one or two significant failures appearing in most testing years suggests the vehicle has required ongoing attention to safety-critical systems and should not be assumed to be in fully sorted condition simply on the strength of the most recent pass. With 124,760 miles recorded on an eight-year-old vehicle, the annual mileage works out to approximately 15,595 miles per year, which is noticeably above the national average and indicative of a car that has seen consistent and likely mixed-use running, possibly including motorway mileage given its Berlingo van-derived platform. There are no significant mileage gaps in the recorded history, which is positive in that it points away from long periods of standing that can bring their own issues such as brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, and battery degradation. The downside of high continuous mileage is that consumable wear rates for items such as clutches, dual mass flywheels, turbochargers, suspension bushes, engine mountings, and drivetrain bearings will be accelerated, and these components rarely show up on MOT tests until they have deteriorated to a significant degree. Looking at the recurring issues in the history, brake components deserve particular attention on any test drive. Although the pads were clearly replaced to achieve the 2026 pass, a high-mileage Berlingo may well be due for disc replacement as well, and you should listen carefully for any brake shudder under firm application, which would indicate worn or warped discs. Pulsations through the pedal or any pulling to one side under braking would also be warning signs of sticking calipers or uneven pad wear. With the anti-roll bar linkage failure and the lower suspension arm bush advisory both appearing in 2025, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the front end over speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, or when turning at low speed, as worn bushes and anti-roll bar joints are notorious for producing such symptoms before they progress to MOT failure levels. A thorough visual inspection from underneath, ideally on a ramp, would be wise to check for any perished bushes, loose joints, or fresh underseal masking recent welding. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and mileage of this Berlingo warrant several additional physical checks that may not be captured in MOT data. Tyres should be inspected not only for tread depth but for sidewall cracking and perishing, which is common on vehicles that have seen steady outdoor use over many years, and uneven inner or outer wear patterns would suggest alignment or suspension geometry issues. The cooling system, cambelt or timing chain service history, and the condition of the 12V battery should all be verified, as a battery nearing the end of its service life will struggle with cold starts and may cause erratic electrical behaviour. Brake fluid and coolant should be assumed due for renewal on a time basis regardless of mileage, and the dual mass flywheel, clutch operation, and turbo actuator function are all worth scrutinising on a road test given the high annual usage. Any hesitation, clutch slip, or whistling from the turbo under load would warrant further investigation before committing to purchase.