2014 Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5L Diesel · SD64 GVU

The Mercedes-Benz Citan’s most recent MOT history presents a stable but concerning pattern: two consecutive passes and fails in early 2026, both at mileages of 168,194 and 168,341, with no defects recorded in either test. This suggests the vehicle has cleared all mandatory roadworthiness checks in the past year without major failures, yet the repeated failures—both devoid of defects—raise questions about testing consistency or potential minor issues slipping under the radar. The absence of advisories or defects in the last four tests implies no obvious structural or mechanical red flags, though the rapid succession of passes and fails in such close proximity (a mere 14 days apart) could indicate administrative oversights or a tester’s discretionary judgement. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, this level of scrutiny-free clearance is unusual and warrants closer examination of components typically prone to wear, such as suspension bushes, brake binding, or exhaust emissions compliance. The mileage accumulation is aggressive for a 12-year-old commercial vehicle, averaging around 14,028 miles annually—a rate that accelerates wear on consumables and structural elements. The gap between the 2024 November test (160,032 miles) and the 2026 January failure (168,194 miles) spans just 14 months but covers 8,162 miles, a pace that suggests heavy or continuous use without corresponding maintenance interventions. The two July 2023 tests, both at roughly 157,700 miles, also reflect a tight testing window with no defects, reinforcing the pattern of high mileage without recorded issues. Such mileage trends typically correlate with elevated stress on brakes, tyres, and suspension components, though the MOT record offers no evidence of these being addressed or failing. Given the lack of defects in the MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system, including coil springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings, as these are critical wear points under heavy usage. The brakes—particularly the rear calipers—should be checked for binding or uneven wear, as the absence of recorded faults does not preclude gradual degradation. Exhaust emissions compliance may also warrant verification, given the vehicle’s age and mileage, alongside a check for corrosion in wheel arches or underseal, which can compromise structural integrity over time. The clean MOT record does not absolve the need for a pre-purchase inspection, especially given the rapid mileage accumulation and the unexplained pass-fail sequence in early 2026.