2016 Mercedes-Benz Citan 1.5L Diesel · YA16 WEH

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2025-04-08 passed without defects, but the immediate preceding test on 2025-04-04 failed for no recorded reason—a pattern that repeats at roughly six-month intervals since 2024. This inconsistency suggests either administrative oversight in scheduling or a deliberate attempt to bypass testing, as no mechanical issues were ever logged. The last substantive pass occurred in June 2023, meaning the vehicle has been driven for over a year without a full roadworthiness assessment. While the absence of defects in failed tests implies no overt mechanical failures, the irregularity raises questions about whether critical components—such as suspension bushes, coil springs, or binding calipers—were ever formally inspected under load or during dynamic testing. The recorded mileage of 136,164 miles over ten years equates to an average of 13,616 miles annually, a rate significantly higher than the UK average for this vehicle class. There are no intermediate MOTs between 2023 and 2024, nor between 2024 and 2025, suggesting either prolonged periods of non-use or a history of deferred maintenance. The abrupt jumps in mileage—from 120,000 in June 2023 to 126,000 in June 2024, then to 132,000 in April 2025—indicate rapid usage, which could accelerate wear on high-stress areas like brake discs, exhaust systems, and drivetrain seals. The lack of mileage consistency also makes it difficult to gauge whether the vehicle was subjected to regular servicing or operated in demanding conditions. Given the irregular MOT history and high mileage, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension geometry, particularly the rear coil springs and bushes, which are prone to fatigue at this mileage. The brake system warrants close examination for uneven wear, binding calipers, or corrosion on the rear discs—common issues in vehicles with erratic maintenance. Structural integrity should be checked for corrosion in wheel arches, subframe mounts, and the exhaust system, as prolonged non-use can accelerate rust formation. The engine bay should be inspected for fluid leaks, particularly around the power steering and cooling systems, given the vehicle’s age and mileage. While the MOT record does not reveal any explicit faults, the pattern of deferred testing suggests these areas may have been neglected.