2017 Citroen Relay 2.0L Diesel · SJ67 AEK

The Citroën Relay’s most recent MOT history reveals a concerning inconsistency rather than a stable maintenance trend. The vehicle passed its test on 2 September 2025 but failed just three days earlier on 28 August 2025—despite identical mileage—with no recorded defects. This abrupt failure without explanation suggests either a procedural oversight or a critical issue that wasn’t captured in the test. The preceding clean passes in June 2024 and July 2023 indicate no prior red flags, but the 2025 anomaly warrants immediate scrutiny. Buyers should treat this as a warning sign, as unresolved failures often point to recurring mechanical or diagnostic inconsistencies. Mileage progression shows a steady but not excessive rate of use, averaging around 9,900 miles annually over the past four years. The jump from 71,451 miles in October 2022 to 80,184 miles by July 2023—nearly 9,000 miles in under a year—suggests the vehicle was actively driven rather than left unused. However, the lack of intermediate MOTs between 2022 and 2023 (a 9-month gap) means critical wear could have gone unchecked. The consistent mileage increments since then imply regular use, but the abrupt 2025 failure disrupts the otherwise unremarkable pattern. Given the clean MOT history aside from the unexplained 2025 failure, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of high-wear components that often evade detection without mechanical testing. The suspension—particularly rear bushes and coil springs—should be checked for uneven wear or binding, as these are common causes of sudden MOT failures. Brake systems, including caliper binding and disc thickness, must be verified, especially if the failure involved braking performance. Structural integrity, particularly around wheel arches and sills, should also be assessed for corrosion, as this is a frequent silent risk in older vehicles. The 2025 anomaly alone justifies a pre-purchase diagnostic to rule out hidden issues.