Citroën Berlingo – with vices, but also with a learning curve

Used car check
Citroën Berlingo – with vices, but also with a learning curve

The French high-roof station wagon Citroën Berlingo has a lot of space, but it did not come out on top in all areas of the main inspection. At least there are signs of improvement.

The good news first: “There are signs that the small truck has become a little more reliable with the third generation.” This is what the “Auto Bild TÜV Report 2024” reports with regard to the Citroën Berlingo's performance in the main vehicle inspection (HU). You can guess: With age come problems, but the French high-roof station wagon looks old early on in some HU test chapters.

Model history

The generations II and III under consideration were released in 2008 and 2018 respectively. The Berlingo II received facelifts in 2012 and 2015, most recently with the addition of extras such as a rear-view camera, touch display and emergency braking assistant, ESP has been standard since 2010. The current edition received a facelift in 2024. The original Berlingo dates back to 1996.

Body and variants

In addition to the standard version, the third generation is also available as an XL with an extended wheelbase and 35 centimeters more vehicle length. Both generations are also available as a seven-seater. After a small series of the Electrique in 1997, Citroën is once again marketing a purely electric version, the ë-Berlingo. The model is also available in a commercial vehicle version (panel van) with an increased loading volume – as a combustion engine and as an electric vehicle.

Dimensions (according to ADAC; car version only)

• 2nd generation: 4.38 meters x 1.81 meters x 1.80 meters (L x W x H); trunk volume: 505 to 3000 liters
• 3rd generation: 4.40 to 4.75 meters x 1.85 meters x 1.84 to 1.85 meters (L x W x H); trunk volume: from 775 liters (version XL: from 1050 liters).

Strengthen

With its spaciousness, the Berlingo has a clear advantage over many other cars: It is used as a large taxi, transports large families and is also often used by tradesmen. According to the report, the springs and dampers are above average, and the axle suspensions are at least up to the fourth MOT. The brake lines and hoses as well as the exhaust system have proven to be durable.

weaknesses

The report advises used car buyers to look for well-maintained models, as many defects are revealed during the MOT. From the second mandatory check onwards, all lighting components are reprimanded, with the rear lights in particular being a problem. And the brake discs show above-average wear – regardless of how old they are.

And oil loss? This also occurs at the first MOT and therefore also affects the new model. From the fourth check onwards, the emissions test for the Berlingo becomes increasingly difficult, and from the fifth check onwards the steering joints weaken too often.

Breakdown behavior

The Berlingo can only be relied on to a limited extent when looking at the breakdown statistics of the ADAC: According to the automobile club, models first registered between 2008 and 2014 are not very reliable, and since 2015 the French model has been in the middle to good positions in the statistics. The number of breakdown black spots is not exactly small.

More common problems include the generator and fuel pump in cars from 2008, the injector (2011), the particulate filter (2012), the starter battery (2014), the door lock on the driver's side (2010) and the ignition coil (2010 and 2011).

Engines

• 2nd generation: petrol (three and four cylinders, front-wheel drive): 66 kW/90 hp to 88 kW/120 hp; diesel (four cylinders, front-wheel drive): 55 kW/75 hp to 88 kW/120 hp; the commercial vehicle version was also available with an electric motor: 49 kW/67 hp
• 3rd generation: petrol (three-cylinder, front-wheel drive): 81 kW/110 hp and 96 kW/131 hp; diesel (four-cylinder, front-wheel drive): 56 kW/76 hp to 96 kW/130 hp; electric version (front-wheel drive): 100 kW/136 hp

Dealer sales value according to the German Automobile Trust (DAT) with statistically expected kilometers – three price examples

• ë-Berlingo M Feel (6/2021); 100 kW/136 hp (electric motor); 37,000 kilometers; 20,780 euros.
• Berlingo 1.2 PureTech 130 Feel Pack XL Start&Stop (6/2020); 96 kW/131 hp (three-cylinder); 59,000 kilometers; 21,680 euros.
• Berlingo 1.6 HDi 110 FAP Multispace (1/2012); 82 kW/111 hp (four-cylinder); 179,000 kilometers; 4,389 euros.