2018 Citroen Berlingo 1.6L Diesel · VO18 AAF

The most recent MOT, carried out on 13 February 2026, was a clean pass with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory roadworthiness standards. Looking back over the last three years, the pattern shows a single failure in February 2024, principally for a thin front‑brake pad, a non‑functional horn and a defective registration‑plate lamp, followed by an advisory on rear‑tyre tread depth in 2025 and a clean pass in 2026. This trajectory suggests that any deficiencies identified in 2024 have been addressed and that the vehicle’s maintenance regime has stabilised and is now improving. At eight years old the van has logged 126,271 miles, which works out to an average of roughly 15,800 miles per annum – considerably above the typical UK light‑commercial vehicle usage of around 10‑12,000 miles a year. The relatively high annual mileage points to sustained on‑road duty and will have accelerated wear on consumables such as tyre tread, brake linings, suspension bushings and engine oil. There are no obvious mileage gaps in the MOT record, so the odometer reading appears consistent with continuous use rather than long periods of storage, meaning the wear is likely to be uniform rather than concentrated in isolated components. When you inspect the vehicle, pay particular attention to the front braking system. Although the 2024 thin‑pad issue appears to have been remedied, verify the current pad thickness and listen for any squeal or shudder under moderate braking, which could indicate uneven wear or a sticking caliper. Examine the rear‑right tyre for sidewall cracking, tread cupping or uneven wear that might have progressed since the 2025 advisory; a tyre older than six years, even if tread depth is acceptable, can become brittle and should be considered for replacement. Test the horn and all external lamps, especially the front registration‑plate lamp, to ensure they function reliably – a non‑working horn is a safety concern and a faulty lamp can cause a future MOT failure. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, also check for age‑related deterioration that is not captured by MOT data. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for dry‑rot, verify that the 12‑volt battery holds charge and that the terminals are free of corrosion, and look for any signs of fluid leaks around the engine, gearbox and rear‑axle – old oil can become less effective and may have been overdue for a change. Assess the suspension by pushing down on each corner to feel for excessive bounce, and listen for clunks that could signal worn bushings or deteriorated coil springs. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil, filter and coolant changes at the manufacturer’s intervals, as proper fluid maintenance is crucial for a high‑mileage commercial van to remain reliable.