2014 Citroen Berlingo 1.6L Diesel · Y18 SAP

The most recent DVSA test on 12 February 2026 recorded a pass after an initial failure on the same day, the failure being logged for a slight play in the off‑side front suspension arm ball joint, severely deteriorated dust‑covers on both front upper anti‑roll‑bar linkage ball joints, a near‑side rear tyre close to the legal limit and an incorrect colour on the near‑side front direction indicator. The subsequent pass indicates those items were remedied before the test was re‑run. Over the last twelve months the vehicle has shown a mixed pattern: recurring front‑suspension wear and anti‑roll‑bar dust‑cover degradation, intermittent lighting faults and a history of a major headlamp aim failure in 2025, suggesting a maintenance trend that is stabilising only after targeted repairs but still showing underlying wear that could re‑appear if not monitored. With 125 054 miles recorded on a 2014 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 10 400 miles, which sits squarely within the normal UK usage envelope for a light commercial van of this age. There are no evident long gaps in the recorded mileage, implying the vehicle has been driven fairly consistently rather than sitting idle for extended periods. This level of mileage means consumables such as brake discs, clutch plates, drive‑shaft universal joints and engine oil seals will be approaching the latter stages of their service lives and should be inspected for wear, corrosion or leakage. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension assembly. Check the ball joints on both the suspension arms and the upper anti‑roll‑bar linkages for any play, knocking or uneven movement when the wheel is rocked and when the steering is turned fully left and right; worn dust‑covers often allow dirt ingress that accelerates joint wear and can lead to clunking or steering wander. The near‑side front track‑rod end, which has previously shown both slight and excessive play, should be examined for looseness and any signs of rubber boot cracking, as a failing ball joint can cause vague steering feel and uneven tyre wear. Verify that the headlamp aim is correctly set – a mis‑aimed beam can indicate mounting issues or suspension geometry changes – and confirm that all position lamps, the windscreen washer system and the direction indicator function correctly, as these were recent points of failure. Inspect the near‑side rear tyre for tread depth and sidewall condition; a tyre close to the legal limit may be a symptom of mis‑alignment or worn suspension components and should be replaced promptly. Given the vehicle’s twelve‑year age, independent of mileage, a thorough visual and tactile inspection is advisable. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry rot, especially if the van has spent periods stationary, and assess the condition of the 12 V battery, checking voltage and charge retention. Look for corrosion on the chassis, particularly around the wheel arches and under the engine bay, and ensure that coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids are clear and at correct levels, as time‑based degradation can occur even on low‑usage vehicles. Finally, request the full service book to confirm that scheduled oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable), and brake fluid flushes have been performed at the recommended intervals; any lapses could translate into costly remedial work shortly after purchase.