2016 Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5L Diesel · SC16 FPE

A fractured front coil spring and excessive play in the off‑side front track‑rod end, both recorded as major failures in the 2025 MOT, dominate the car’s mechanical narrative; the subsequent 2025‑07‑14 pass shows those items were rectified, and the vehicle has since recorded only minor advisories and passed the 2024, 2023 and most recent 2026 tests, the latter confirming the current road‑worthiness despite the earlier serious suspension faults. At 96,192 mi the average annual accumulation is roughly 9,600 mi, which sits comfortably within normal usage for a ten‑year‑old light commercial van. The MOT record shows a regular yearly testing cadence with no significant mileage gaps, indicating the odometer reading is likely representative of actual use. This mileage level suggests that wear items such as suspension bushings, brake pads and tyre tread will be approaching the latter stages of their service life and should be inspected for progressive thinning. Prospective buyers should verify that the front coil spring and the off‑side track‑rod end have been replaced with OEM‑spec components and are correctly torqued; on a test drive listen for any metallic clunk or knock over bumps and feel for steering wander or pull to one side, which would indicate residual play. The rear brake hose corrosion noted in 2025 warrants a close visual inspection for any signs of fluid leakage, cracking or softening of the hose, while the insecure rear heat‑shield should be checked for rattles and ensured it is firmly fastened to prevent exhaust heat damage to surrounding components. The tyre advisories from the 2026 MOT highlight that both front tyres are close to the legal tread limit and show edge wear; confirm that the tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm across the width and that there is no cupping or uneven wear that could mask underlying suspension issues. The deteriorated CV boot on the off‑side inner drive‑shaft joint should be examined for oil seepage or splatter, and the near‑side rear registration lamp must be operational. Addressing these points during a pre‑purchase inspection will give a clear indication of whether the previous repairs have restored the vehicle to a reliable state and what near‑future maintenance may be required.