2011 Citroen Nemo 1.4L Diesel · YR11 VDP

A fractured front coil spring and a missing steering rack gaiter recorded as Major defects at the 2021 test constitute the most serious mechanical items in this vehicle's MOT history, with the remaining six tests across the 2021 to 2026 period either passing cleanly or carrying only minor damage and advisories. The most recent examination on 27 April 2026 recorded a pass with no defects or advisories, indicating current roadworthiness, but the prior 2025 pass carries a small cluster of items that warrant attention: a non-obligatory nearside front mirror damaged, a noted but not excessive front oil leak, slight cracking or perishing on the offside rear tyre, and a brake pedal wearing smooth. The 2024 test recorded only a windscreen chip minor, and the 2022 and 2023 passes were completely clean. Taken together, the trend is broadly stable rather than deteriorating, though the spring fracture and gaiter failure from five years ago demonstrate that significant wear items can present on a high-mileage small van of this type and should not be ruled out simply because the latest test is clear. With 196,500 miles recorded against a 2011 first registration, this Nemo has averaged roughly 13,100 miles per year, a notably high accumulation rate for a vehicle of its class and age. There are no extended gaps in the annual testing sequence between 2020 and 2026, suggesting the vehicle has remained in continuous use rather than laid up, which is mechanically significant because regularly driven vehicles tend to suffer more wear on suspension, braking and drivetrain consumables than equivalent low-mileage examples, but are less likely to develop dry-rot in rubber components, seized calipers or battery degradation associated with prolonged standing. Mileage progression cannot be independently verified from MOT records alone, but the consistent annual testing pattern and the wear-related advisories observed are consistent with a working vehicle that has covered substantial distance over its service life. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension is the priority area given the recorded coil spring failure on the nearside in 2021. On a test drive, listen for sharp metallic knocks or clonks over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the front corners, as a fractured or weakened coil spring can produce audible disturbance under load and may affect handling precision. Inspect the springs visually for any signs of corrosion pitting or uneven ride height, and check that the vehicle sits level. The missing or insecure steering rack gaiter flagged in the same 2021 test should also be confirmed rectified by inspecting both inner and outer gaiters for splits, tears or displaced clips, and by listening for any knocking or play through the steering when turning on full lock at low speed, as a compromised gaiter allows contamination of the rack and accelerates wear. The advisories from 2025 deserve direct verification during any inspection. With the engine cold, look under the front of the vehicle for fresh oil residue that could indicate the previously noted leak has worsened, particularly around the cam cover, sump and oil filter housing, and check the oil level on the dipstick. Examine the offside rear tyre for cracking of the sidewall or tread, and consider replacement if perishing is visible, as aged tyres compromise wet grip regardless of tread depth. The smooth brake pedal should be checked by feeling for adequate resistance and even pedal travel, and the brakes themselves tested from speed for any pulling, vibration or grinding that might indicate worn discs or pads given the high accumulated mileage. Finally, confirm the nearside front mirror is secure or replaced, and verify the windscreen damage has not progressed beyond the driver's swept view, as both items were flagged as recently as 2025.