2014 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · WD63 ABK

The Citroën Relay’s most recent MOT on 2026-02-05 confirms it remains roadworthy, though the record reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures at the same mileage intervals. The vehicle passed twice in 2024 and 2025—yet each time it was retested immediately after a failure, suggesting either a persistent underlying issue or a rushed correction by the previous owner. The absence of defects in the last two passes does not negate the need for scrutiny, particularly since the failures occurred at identical mileages (156,303 and 162,327), which implies a recurring problem likely tied to high-mileage wear rather than a one-off oversight. The recorded mileage of 166,674 miles over roughly 12 years equates to an average of 13,890 miles annually, a rate significantly higher than the UK average for this age of vehicle. This suggests either consistent heavy use or prolonged periods of neglect between services. Notably, there is a 10-month gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests, during which the vehicle accumulated 6,024 miles—an unusually rapid increase for a car of this age. While the lack of defects in recent passes is reassuring, such mileage accumulation raises questions about whether critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake calipers have been systematically monitored or replaced. Given the history of repeated failures at the same mileage thresholds, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear axle and bushes, as these are common failure points in high-mileage Relays. The binding brakes noted in past failures (implied by the retest pattern) warrant close examination of rear brake calipers, discs, and wheel bearings for excessive wear or corrosion. Structural integrity should also be assessed, especially around the sills, wheel arches, and subframe mounts, where corrosion can compromise safety without immediate MOT failure. The absence of defects in recent tests does not preclude hidden issues—high mileage and repeated retests signal a vehicle that may have been driven past its optimal service intervals.