2007 Citroen Berlingo 1.6L Diesel · RA07 ABO

The most recent MOT history for this 2007 Citroën Berlingo reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite no recorded defects. The vehicle passed its test on 2025-09-05 at 150,294 miles before failing the very next day at the same mileage, a duplication that suggests either an administrative error or a deliberate retest after a minor oversight. The previous cycle in 2024 followed the same erratic rhythm: a failure on 2024-09-09 at 140,182 miles, followed by a pass on 2024-09-16 at 140,214 miles—a mere 32-mile increase. This inconsistency implies either a lack of thorough pre-test preparation or a history of last-minute fixes rather than systematic maintenance. The 2023 test at 134,726 miles passed without issue, but the abrupt failures in 2024 and 2025 suggest a deterioration in either the tester’s diligence or the vehicle’s underlying condition. The absence of any recorded advisories or defects across these tests is misleading; the repeated failures alone warrant scrutiny of components that often fail silently or intermittently, such as suspension linkages, brake calipers, or electrical systems. The recorded mileage of 150,294 miles over 19 years aligns closely with the average for this vehicle’s age, averaging roughly 7,900 miles annually. There are no prolonged gaps or sudden spikes in mileage between tests, which might otherwise indicate neglect or intensive use. The most notable pattern is the compressed timeline between failures and passes—each cycle spans just seven days—suggesting the vehicle was likely driven to the test centre multiple times in quick succession. This behaviour is unusual for a routine MOT and raises questions about whether the vehicle was operated between tests or simply moved for retesting. The consistency in mileage between failures (around 140,182 and 150,294) also implies that no significant mechanical issues caused the vehicle to remain off the road for extended periods. However, the lack of mileage progression between the 2024 failure and pass—just 32 miles—is anomalous and could indicate the vehicle was not in regular use during that period. Given the history of repeated failures without recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear components that often fail intermittently or without clear warning. The suspension system, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, should be examined for excessive play or corrosion, as these can cause handling issues that might not trigger a defect during a static MOT. The braking system warrants thorough checking, including rear caliper binding (a common silent failure), disc runout, and pad thickness—all of which could explain the repeated test failures without explicit mention in the record. Structural integrity is also critical; the chassis rails, sills, and wheel arches should be inspected for corrosion, particularly in areas prone to salt damage, as rust can compromise load-bearing sections. Electrical faults, such as faulty sensors or wiring looms, are another likely culprit for unexplained failures, so the tester’s notes or a scan for stored error codes would be advisable. The absence of advisories in the MOT history does not preclude these issues; they may only manifest under specific conditions or during dynamic testing.