2010 Citroen Berlingo 1.6L Diesel · TP05 PAM

The most recent MOT on 31 July 2026 was a pass, albeit with an advisory noting a minor oil leak from the top of the engine. Earlier that month the vehicle failed a test, recording a dangerous fault for a rear brake pad thickness below 1.5 mm, a dangerous tyre tread deficiency on the off‑side front, a major exhaust emissions excess and a major front position lamp failure. Prior to that, the 2025‑07‑23 test passed with no defects, while the 2025‑07‑22 test failed for dangerous rear tyre tread wear and a major anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint wear. In 2024 the car passed with several advisories relating to coil‑spring corrosion and a minor windscreen chip. The pattern shows a gradual accumulation of age‑related wear items, with recent failures indicating a worsening trend that has been partially remedied to achieve the latest pass; however the persistence of oil‑leak and corrosion advisories suggests the overall maintenance condition is still borderline and requires close scrutiny. At 104 531 mi the van averages roughly 6 500 mi per year over its 16‑year life, a usage rate that is modest for a light commercial vehicle. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because rubber components, seals and batteries deteriorate with age even when not driven. The relatively low mileage does not automatically guarantee a low‑wear drivetrain, but it does mean that consumables such as tyres, suspension bushings and brake components may have aged beyond their calendar life and could be nearing the end of their serviceable period. A prospective buyer should give the oil leak immediate attention. Inspect the valve‑cover gasket, oil filter housing and any crankcase breather for signs of seepage, and verify that no oil is contaminating the spark plugs or the exhaust system, which could exacerbate the emissions fault previously recorded. Examine both front and rear coil springs for surface rust, pitting or loss of cross‑section; corrosion can lead to spring fatigue and eventual failure, especially under load. The anti‑roll‑bar ball joint flagged in 2025 should be checked for play by applying a firm push‑pull on the front wheel while the car is lifted; any clunk or excessive movement indicates the joint may need replacement. All four tyres must be measured for tread depth – any tyre below 3 mm is approaching the legal limit and should be replaced, and the sidewalls should be inspected for cracking or dry‑rot, a common issue on vehicles that have spent long periods stationary. Verify that the rear brake pads have been replaced since the 2026 dangerous fault; a pedal that feels soft, spongy or pulls to one side, or a shudder when applying the brakes, would suggest lingering wear or a sticking caliper. In addition to the specific items above, a thorough pre‑purchase inspection should include a battery load test, as a 16‑year‑old battery is likely near the end of its service life, and a check of all fluid levels and conditions – coolant should be clear and free of sludge, and the brake fluid should be replaced if it appears dark or is older than two years. Confirm that the headlamp adjusters have been correctly restored after the internal alteration noted in 2024, and that the rear child‑seat fitting does not obstruct the adult seat‑belt path; a functional belt must be fully visible and operable. Finally, request the service book to confirm regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable), and any recorded replacement of the corroded coil springs or suspension components. A test drive that feels smooth, with no unusual noises from the suspension, stable steering, and consistent braking performance will be the best indicator that the van is mechanically sound despite its age.