2010 Citroen Nemo 1.4L Diesel · WM10 SNU

This 2010 Citroen Nemo presents an unusual MOT profile that merits careful attention before purchase. The most recent test on 30 June 2025 returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, which is reassuring on the surface, yet this immediately followed a failure recorded just five days earlier on 25 June 2025. That back-to-back test pattern, repeated almost identically in May 2024 when a failure on the 16th was followed by a pass on the 22nd, suggests the vehicle has been subject to rectification work between tests rather than passing cleanly first time. A prospective buyer should establish precisely what remedial work was carried out to secure each pass and whether the underlying components have been properly resolved or merely patched to clear the immediate test. Given that the Nemo is now sixteen years old, even a clean pass record does not eliminate the possibility of age-related deterioration in structural areas, rubber components, and corrosion-prone sections that may have been borderline at the time of testing. Recorded mileage of 169,870 against an approximate annual accumulation of 10,617 miles represents a typical usage profile for a vehicle of this age and class, suggesting steady commercial or private use rather than extended periods off the road or excessive motorway mileage. The MOT history itself covers a testing gap from January 2023 to May 2024, which on the face of it is consistent with the standard annual cycle, though any periods of inactivity or storage would not necessarily show in the MOT record. Mechanically, this mileage band on a Nemo typically places wear items such as front suspension components, clutch assemblies, and brake systems into the territory where replacement or refurbishment should be anticipated. The diesel engine and drivetrain, if this is the HDi variant commonly fitted, will have absorbed substantial cumulative load over sixteen years, and ancillary components including timing belts, water pumps, and turbocharger related pipework warrant verification of service history independent of the MOT data. Given the repeated immediate re-test pattern, particular attention should be paid to the components most likely to cause a first-time failure on a small van of this age. On a physical inspection and test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links, wishbone bushes, or coil spring seat deterioration. Check for any pulling under braking, a soft or spongy pedal feel, or signs of binding calipers that could cause uneven brake pad wear, as the Nemo is known to suffer from seized slider mechanisms on the rear drums or front calipers. On starting from cold, observe for excessive smoke from the exhaust, rough idle, or any hesitation that might point to worn engine mounts, injector leaks, or EGR valve issues common to the 1.4 HDi unit. The steering should feel tight without excessive play at the straight-ahead position, and any knocking transmitted through the rack when turning would suggest worn track rod ends or inner tie rods. A thorough pre-purchase inspection should also include a detailed examination of the underbody and structural areas, particularly the front subframe, suspension mounting points, and inner wheel arches where road salt exposure over sixteen winters can promote corrosion even when not flagged at MOT. Examine the brake pipes and fuel lines along their full length for any surface rust or weeping joints, and inspect the exhaust system from the manifold rearward for signs of blowing joints or deteriorating mounting rubbers. With high recorded mileage, it is also prudent to check for evidence of oil leaks from the engine sump, cam cover gasket, and any residual diesel leakage around the injector seals. A road test should be conducted with the vehicle fully warmed up and carrying a representative load, paying attention to clutch slip under acceleration, any vibration through the gearbox or driveshafts at speed, and the behaviour of the cooling system under sustained running. Given the pattern of last-minute test passes, obtaining documentary evidence of exactly what was replaced or repaired at each re-test would be the single most valuable piece of information for a prospective buyer.