2011 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · BX61 AHE

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend that has shifted from stable to worsening over the last three years. While the 2023 test at 137,174 miles showed no defects, the subsequent years have seen a significant increase in both the frequency and severity of failures. The most recent test on 23 April 2026 at 165,209 miles resulted in a pass, but only after a failed attempt that highlighted serious mechanical and structural issues. The recurring nature of steering and suspension defects suggests that while individual components are being addressed to pass the test, the underlying wear on the chassis and drivetrain is accelerating. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a commercial vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 11,000 miles per year. The record shows steady usage, moving from 96,800 miles in late 2018 to 165,209 miles in April 2026. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would suggest long periods of inactivity, which typically helps prevent corrosion. However, the rapid succession of multiple failures in April 2024 and April 2025 indicates that the vehicle is currently entering a phase of higher maintenance requirements as its components reach the end of their service life. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity and steering system. The failure on 23 April 2026 specifically flagged significant corrosion on the offside front outer vehicle structure at the sill, which is a major structural concern. Furthermore, the steering rack inner joints have appeared as advisories or failures in three consecutive tests between April 2025 and April 2026, indicating persistent play in the steering mechanism. The presence of a noisy nearside front wheel bearing and recurring issues with suspension arm bushes and ball joints suggests the front end requires close scrutiny. The braking system also requires careful evaluation. The April 2026 failure noted parking brake efficiency below 50%, and previous records from April 2024 highlighted insecure brake cables and slack adjusters. While these specific items may have been rectified for the most recent pass, the history of brake-related failures suggests a pattern of deferred maintenance. Any inspection should include a check of the engine management system, as the April 2026 failure also noted an inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp, and a verification of the recent repairs to the suspension and steering components to ensure the vehicle is truly roadworthy.