2006 Citroen Berlingo 1.9L Diesel · WN56 FBF

The most recent DVSA test on 23 October 2013 recorded a pass, the only note being a slight play in the nearside front lower suspension ball‑joint. Earlier in the same day a failure for several lighting faults was recorded, but those were rectified before the pass was issued. Looking back through the ten‑year MOT record the vehicle moved from multiple dangerous failures in 2009 and 2012 – including exposed tyre cords, insufficient tread depth and excessive suspension arm play – to a clean pass in 2010 and a series of passes with only minor advisories thereafter. This trajectory suggests that the vehicle’s maintenance has improved over time and that any serious defects identified in the past were addressed, leaving the car in a generally acceptable condition at its last test. Mileage has not been disclosed in the MOT data, so an objective assessment of usage cannot be made. For a 2006 Citroën Berlingo, an average annual mileage of eight to ten thousand miles would be typical; any figure substantially above that would imply a higher rate of wear on engine, transmission and suspension components, while a very low figure could indicate long periods of storage and the attendant risk of rubber and fluid degradation. In the absence of a recorded odometer reading the buyer should request the service book, any recent fuel receipts or a V5C log to establish a credible mileage figure before proceeding. The recurring advisory concerning front suspension ball‑joint play warrants close inspection. On a test drive the driver should listen for clunking or knocking when steering over bumps, feel for any looseness in the steering feel and check that the wheels remain steady under braking. Visual examination should include the lower ball‑joint and front arm for signs of corrosion, cracked rubber boots or leaking grease, and the mounting bushes for any excessive movement. If play is confirmed, replacement of the affected ball‑joint and possibly the associated bushings will be required to avoid premature tyre wear and compromised handling. The earlier tyre failures – exposed cords and tread below 1.6 mm – mean that all four tyres must be examined for age (look for cracking, dry rot or hardening of the sidewalls) as well as current tread depth; even if the tread appears adequate, tyres older than six years can become unsafe regardless of wear. All lighting faults noted in 2013 (registration plate lamp, rear position lamp and headlamp aim) should be verified as functional and correctly aligned; mis‑aimed headlamps can cause glare for other road users and may be a symptom of worn steering geometry. The small windscreen chip recorded in 2009 should be inspected for any propagation, especially under temperature change. Given the vehicle’s age, the buyer should also check the condition of the 12‑volt battery, the state of the brake discs for surface rust or scoring, and confirm that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended intervals – fluid that has sat for many years can become contaminated and reduce system efficiency. Finally, a thorough visual survey for rust on the chassis, wheel arches and underbody, and a review of the service history for any missed intervals, will help ensure that the van has been kept in a road‑worthy state despite the gaps in mileage data.