2011 Citroen Berlingo 1.6L Diesel · PY61 BCO

The Citroën Berlingo’s most recent MOT test on 16 March 2026 failed, marking a concerning pattern of instability over the past two years. Despite no defects being recorded in any of the five tests since November 2023, the vehicle has alternated between pass and fail without resolution, suggesting either inconsistent test centre interpretations or unresolved underlying issues. The latest failure, just four months ago, means the vehicle has not undergone a full roadworthiness assessment since then, leaving critical components unverified. This lack of clarity on the current condition—particularly after the high mileage jump between December 2024 and March 2026—demands thorough independent inspection before purchase. The recorded mileage of 190,476 miles over 15 years equates to an average of 12,700 miles annually, which is elevated for a vehicle of this age. The most notable gap occurs between the December 2024 pass (177,992 miles) and the March 2026 failure (190,476 miles), a span of just 15 months covering 12,484 miles—suggesting either aggressive use or a period of neglect. The alternating pass/fail cycle in November/December 2023 and 2024, despite minimal mileage change (just 12 miles between tests), further implies the vehicle may have been driven inconsistently or subjected to variable maintenance. Such patterns often correlate with deferred servicing or intermittent fault development. Given the repeated MOT failures without recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an inspection of suspension integrity, particularly the rear axle and coil springs, as these are common failure points in high-mileage vans. The absence of defects in tests does not preclude hidden corrosion in wheel arches or sills, which could compromise structural integrity. Brake systems—especially rear calipers and binding points—should be scrutinised, as repeated near-failures may indicate worn pads, warped discs, or hydraulic issues. Exhaust emissions warrant attention, as the vehicle’s age and mileage increase the risk of catalytic converter degradation or leaky joints. Finally, the tyres, despite not being explicitly flagged, should be checked for uneven wear or tread depth, as the high mileage suggests they may be approaching their serviceable limit.