2008 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · AF08 HZX

The most recent MOT, carried out on 19 August 2025, was passed but only with a minor fault (the rear registration plate lamp) and a series of advisories covering the nearside front shock absorber oil mist, a slight power‑steering hose seepage, tyre wear on the nearside front wheel and a discoloured nearside rear direction indicator. Over the past four years the vehicle has alternated between passes and failures, with major failures recorded in 2022, 2023 and 2024 for lighting, wiper performance and exhaust emissions. Although the latest result shows the car now meets the statutory minimum, the persistence of the same advisory items – especially the front shock, power‑steering hose and tyre wear – indicates that the underlying maintenance picture is only marginally improving and that several components remain at risk of imminent deterioration. At 95,665 mi the 2008 Citroën Relay averages roughly 5,300 mi per annum, well below the typical usage for a vehicle of its age. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because fluids can degrade, seals can dry out and corrosion can develop unnoticed. The mileage itself suggests that wear items such as the clutch, gearbox and engine internals are unlikely to be at the end of their service lives, but the low utilisation pattern raises concerns about the condition of rubber components, battery health and the integrity of suspension bushings that may have been subjected to long‑term static loads. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the recurring nearside front shock absorber – the oil mist indicates seal wear and a loss of damping efficiency, which can manifest as front‑end dive under braking, a soft or “mushy” ride and audible clunking when hitting bumps. The slight seepage from the off‑side front power‑steering pipe should be inspected for fresh fluid on the rack and for any accompanying whining or steering effort changes, as a deteriorating hose can eventually lead to a loss of assist. The tyre wear noted on both front wheels, especially the nearside front tyre being close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, warrants a full tyre inspection: check tread depth, sidewall cracking, and verify that the tyres are not more than six years old, as rubber perishes with age regardless of mileage. Additionally, the off‑side front wheel bearing that was reported as slightly noisy should be listened to at low speed; any grinding or growling may indicate bearing wear that could progress to failure. Verify that both front direction indicators now emit the correct amber colour and that the rear registration plate lamp functions reliably, as repeated lighting faults often stem from corroded sockets or faulty bulbs. Beyond the specific MOT items, the car’s age and low‑usage profile mean that time‑based maintenance is essential. Inspect the 12 V battery for sulphation and confirm it holds charge under load; a battery older than ten years is likely to need replacement. Drain and replace all engine and gearbox oils, coolant and brake fluid if service records are missing, as fluids can absorb moisture and lose effectiveness over long periods of inactivity. Examine the under‑carriage and suspension mounting points for rust, especially around the rear axle and front sub‑frame, and check the condition of the brake discs for surface corrosion or scoring that could cause shudder when applied. A thorough visual and auditory inspection, coupled with a test drive that includes braking, steering, and a short climb to stress the suspension, will reveal whether the vehicle’s mechanical condition matches the paper record or if further remedial work will be required before purchase.