El TÜV It is the vehicle inspection system in Germany and publishes a specific report each year for trailer dealer with millions of inspections. The key metric you'll see here is EM, acronym for Erhebliche Mängel (significant defects). These are faults that prevent approval on the first try; how much lower is the percentage of EM, BEST A model is aging in that age range. Oh, and let this serve as a warning: it's not a "sentence" against brands, but a statistical snapshot of the wear and tear from actual use.
Why do city vans suffer more than other commercial vehicles?
They live an urban life with deliveries, constant stops, curbs, and potholes. That cycle is punishing. ball joints, silent blocks and shock absorbersand accelerates problems of lighting due to vibrations and humidity in pilots. Engines and transmissions, with many cold starts and short journeys, show micro-leaks before. If you add to this a reactive maintenance (fixing only when it breaks), the statistics become worse than they would be with a preventive plan.
Who fares better and worse based on age
Before going into detail, two reminders. First, the percentages may vary because generación y sample sizeSecond, we always talk about EM (significant defects).
3-4 years. In this zone VW Caddy y Ford Transit Courier They are among the best with rates around 12% of MS. Renault Kangoo y Dacia Dokker They also remain in the positive zone, with figures around 15%On the difficult side appear Mercedes-Benz Citan, Opel Combo, Ford Transit/Tourneo Connect y Citroën Berlingo, with values that range approximately between 16 and 19%.
5-6 years. VW Caddy It maintains its position with percentages that remain in the lower half of the group, around the 14%. Transit Courier y Kangoo They are held close to the 18%. Combo, Berlingo y Transit/Tourneo Connect They clearly worsen and easily surpass the 20%; Citan y Dokker They also appear with figures above the 21-23%.
7-8 years. As age increases, Caddy It remains the stock that holds up best, with EM close to 19%. Kangoo around the 23-24%The group with the most incidents includes Dokker y Combo, which go above the 30%Followed by Transit/Tourneo Connect y Citan, who move in the environment of 27-29%; Berlingo y Transit Courier are close to 27%.
9-10 years. In this stage Caddy It continues to lead the positive side with figures around 24%. Transit/Tourneo Connect y Kangoo they roam 28%Among those who suffer the most are Combo, Citan, Berlingo y Doblò Cargo, which are located around the 31-32%.
11-12 years. When age really starts to weigh on you, Caddy It remains below the 28% y Citan It improves somewhat up to the range of 31%At the opposite pole Combo y Transit/Tourneo Connect exceed the 35%While Berlingo, Doblo y Kangoo remain between the 33 and 34%.
How to interpret this photo
Caddy is the aging pattern more stable of the group. Kangoo moves in the midfield and feels the impact of the jump from the 7–8 yearsCitan, who shares a base with Kangoo, doesn't show clear advantages in the middle years, although he improves in the older years. In the family Stellantis (Berlingo/Partner/Combo/Doblò/Proace City) average years penalize if the unit has worked hard; Combo It concentrates the worst records starting from the 5–6 years. Transit Courier surprise carefully as a young man, while Transit/Tourneo Connect It gets worse with age.
Practical translation to the Spanish ITV (vehicle inspection)
The ITV (vehicle inspection) in Spain is not the same as the German inspection, but pathologies are the sameIf you prepare for the visit with a simple plan, your chances of passing the first time change completely. Start by lightingChange light bulbs by pairsclean and squeeze masses and check that it doesn't get in moisture in the pilots. Continue with escapesWash the wheel well, drive 20–30 km and check again to find the fresh spot; they often sing. axle seal, rocker cover y sump. Close with front trainTake the elevator and look for clearances in ball joints and connecting rods, shock absorbers with sudor y cupels Tired. If you see uneven wear on the tires, ask aligned before the appointment.
A note about brakes. In the city and in humid conditions there are corrosion on rear discs and caliper guides that seize. After changing pads, do a filming correct and practice some firm braking before going for inspection to clean the track.
If you buy used (8–12 years): how to apply the above
Between two units of the same generation, the difference lies in history and treatment. Ask Previous MOTs and invoices, check claims if it's a fleet vehicle and drives through paved and roundabouts to listen and notice any play. Open and close sliders on a slope, watch out games on hinges and look for rust on stringers y wheel archesIn the empty space, it smells of diesel or oil and check the catch axle shaft. Reserve initial quote for cushioning y front trainIt's an investment, not an expense.
Winter and aging: why it matters for city vans
The cold makes things worse. light bulbs they will resent it, the checkpoints They sweat more and starter battery It sluggishes with short cycles. Add a undercarriage wash If you work in areas with salt, protect the connectors with dielectric grease. Uses 3PMSF tires when it's time and chains only When necessary, always in the drive axle.
El TÜV 2025 It's not a thumbs up or thumbs down. It's a map of prioritiesIf you know that your model's Achilles' heel is in lights, escapes o suspensionYou arrive at the vehicle inspection station (ITV) prepared. And if you're going to buy a used car, choose unit before brand and secure that purchase with a thorough elevator inspection.
Source: TÜV Nutzfahrzeug‑Report 2025 (official report).