2012 CITROEN RELAY2.2L Diesel

The 2012 Citroën Relay’s most recent MOT test on 2025-07-09 passed without defects, confirming it remains roadworthy under current DVSA standards. However, the record shows a concerning pattern of repeated failures—both in 2024 and 2025—despite no specific faults being logged. This suggests the vehicle was retested shortly after each failure (within days in 2025, and just over a month apart in 2024), which is unusual unless the owner was addressing minor, unrecorded issues between tests. The lack of advisory notes or defects implies no major mechanical or structural concerns were detected at the time, but the retesting pattern warrants scrutiny to determine whether underlying problems were overlooked or if the vehicle was simply kept in light use until the next test window. The recorded mileage of 65,221 miles over 14 years—roughly 4,659 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, particularly given its age and typical wear patterns. The gaps between tests also reveal inconsistent usage: the vehicle sat for nearly 11 months between the 2023 and 2024 tests (from 51,566 to 59,962 miles), followed by a rapid accumulation of 5,589 miles in just over a month before failing in June 2024. This suggests periods of inactivity, which can accelerate deterioration in suspension components, brake systems, and fuel lines due to prolonged immobility. The near-identical mileage at both the 2025 failure and pass (65,219 and 65,221 miles) further implies the vehicle was likely driven only to meet MOT requirements, rather than for regular use. Given the lack of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of suspension integrity, particularly the rear axle and bushes, as these are common failure points in older Citroën models. The repeated retests without advisories may indicate past issues with binding brakes or worn suspension components that were either repaired between tests or were not severe enough to trigger an MOT failure. Corrosion in wheel arches, subframe, or exhaust systems should also be checked, especially if the vehicle has spent extended periods off-road or in damp conditions. The absence of emissions-related failures does not preclude a gradual decline in engine efficiency, so a smoke test and fuel system check would be prudent. Finally, verify that all advisory items from previous tests—if any—were addressed, as none appear in the record.