2021 Citroen Berlingo 1.5L Diesel · SM21 OWH

The Citroën Berlingo’s most recent MOT test on 2025-05-21 passed without defects, but the preceding day’s failure—at the same mileage—raises immediate concerns. This pattern of consecutive pass/fail at identical mileage suggests either a procedural anomaly or a critical component that narrowly avoided failure. The 2024 tests at 33,512 miles also show identical pass/fail entries, indicating a recurring issue that was either resolved or overlooked between tests. Without specific fault codes, the trend remains ambiguous, but the lack of defects on the last pass implies the vehicle was driven to the test without immediate mechanical failure. Buyers should verify whether the 2025 failure was due to a minor oversight (e.g., a loose wheel nut) or a deeper issue (e.g., binding brakes or suspension wear) that was corrected just in time. The recorded mileage of 58,879 miles over five years suggests average usage, with roughly 11,776 miles annually. There are no gaps longer than a year between tests, which is standard for a vehicle of this age, but the identical mileage at both 2024 and 2025 failures points to either a test centre error or a component that failed intermittently. The absence of mileage jumps or prolonged inactivity means consumables like tyres, brakes, and fluids have likely seen regular wear rather than accelerated degradation. However, the lack of advisories or minor faults in any test is unusual for a vehicle at this mileage, as even well-maintained vans typically accumulate minor wear items (e.g., worn suspension bushes, binding calipers) over time. Given the history, an in-person inspection should prioritise the rear braking system, as the 2025 failure likely stemmed from a mechanical issue rather than a minor defect. Check for uneven brake pad wear, seized calipers, or corroded flexi-hoses, which are common causes of intermittent brake binding. The suspension should be examined for worn or leaking bushes, particularly at the rear, where wear often manifests later in a van’s life. Structural integrity is also worth assessing—inspect the floor pans, wheel arches, and subframe for corrosion, as vans are prone to rust in these areas, especially if parked near salted roads. The lack of advisories in the MOT record suggests these areas may have been overlooked, so a thorough visual and functional check is essential. Finally, verify the exhaust system for leaks or excessive corrosion, as this is another frequent failure point in vans of this age.