2014 Citroen Berlingo 1.6L Diesel · TY12 WLT

At 122,069 miles on a twelve-year-old Citroen Berlingo, the average annual consumption of approximately 10,172 miles aligns with expectations for its age, though the compressed interval between the 2024 and 2025 MOT tests—just under fourteen months—marks a departure from the longer gaps seen previously. The mechanical narrative is one of intermittent stability followed by acute deterioration, beginning with a clean 2024 pass that was immediately followed by a series of failures in early 2025. After the initial 2025-04-10 result which was a complete failure due to non-functional headlamps and rear stop lamps alongside a front headlamp that would not switch off on dip beams, the vehicle managed a narrow pass on 2025-04-11 with only minor advisories regarding oil leakage and continued tyre wear. This oscillation between passing and failing suggests that while some systems remained functional, fundamental reliability issues persisted that did not fully resolve between test cycles. The tyre wear history provides the most consistent mechanical signal across the entire record, with the front tyres repeatedly flagged as worn close to legal limits and showing edge damage in both 2025 and 2020, while the rear tyres exhibited progressive outer-edge degradation starting in 2021. These patterns indicate either prolonged overload on the front suspension geometry or a systematic loss of ride quality that affects both axles differently. Because the rear tyres have shown increasing outer-edge wear specifically, a test drive should be conducted paying particular attention to the car's handling through corners and on uneven surfaces, listening for clunking noises that would confirm worn suspension bushings or control arm mounts. Additionally, the consistent front-wheel distress suggests the front subframe and wheel arch area may require inspection for structural fatigue or corrosion, especially if the vehicle has spent extended periods parked. A major central seat belt failure recorded in October 2021 represents a separate but equally important safety concern that remains unresolved, requiring verification of the seat belt buckle operation and tensioner function before acceptance. The recurring oil leak advisory appearing across multiple test results warrants direct visual inspection of the engine bay and transmission sump for persistent drips or staining, as ongoing oil loss can accelerate internal component degradation and compromise drivability. The headlamp and stop-lamp failures documented in 2025 also merit immediate attention; the front headlamp's inability to switch off on dip beams typically points to a faulty bulb or relay, while the non-working rear lamps suggest a common ground or wiring issue that could affect night-time visibility and regulatory compliance. Together, these findings indicate that while the vehicle's basic drivetrain and chassis appear intact, the combination of tyre degradation, unrepaired safety system failures, and persistent oil leakage creates a risk profile that demands thorough hands-on verification before committing to purchase.