2019 Citroen Relay 2.0L Diesel · AX19 YGL

The most recent MOT test outcome for this 2019 Citroen Relay is a pass recorded on 5 April 2026, with no defects or advisories noted against the vehicle. However, the same date also records a fail for a nearside headlamp aim being set too high, which was addressed prior to the pass entry being issued. Looking at the broader trend, the maintenance picture is mixed rather than consistently stable. The 2025 test was a clean pass, but the 2024 test produced a dangerous defect for offside front brake pad thickness falling below 1.5 mm, alongside a major windscreen wiper defect and two advisories concerning a sagging rear leaf spring and damaged fuel tanks. The 2023 test similarly recorded four major defects, with both headlamps and both windscreen wipers failing to operate correctly. While the most recent result is favourable, the recurrence of electrical and wiper-related issues across multiple tests suggests these areas warrant close physical inspection, even though the recent pass indicates the immediate safety items have been rectified. The recorded mileage of 36,948 miles over approximately seven years equates to an annual usage of around 5,278 miles, which is low for a commercial vehicle of this type and age. Light commercial vans typically cover substantially higher annual distances, so this figure suggests either intermittent use, extended periods of standing, or a primarily urban and low-load operating profile. Mechanical implications of such low mileage include accelerated ageing of rubber and polymer components due to prolonged static exposure, potential corrosion on brake discs from infrequent use, possible caliper seizure, and degradation of brake fluid, coolant, and other consumables on a calendar basis rather than a wear basis. The absence of a recorded mileage entry for 2022 is also worth confirming, as it may indicate a gap in testing history or ownership that should be verified. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing physical checks relate to the advisories and defects already documented. The 2024 advisory noting that the offside rear leaf spring is sitting heavily and crushing the bump stop suggests an overloaded or fatigued spring assembly, which on a test drive may present as poor rear ride quality, sagging at the rear when unladen, or clonking noises over undulating surfaces. A thorough inspection should confirm whether this has been attended to, and the rear bump stop should be examined for permanent compression damage. The damaged and scraped fuel and AdBlue tanks should be physically inspected for any seepage or ongoing deterioration, particularly around mounting straps and seams, and any signs of contamination beneath the vehicle should be investigated. The history of front brake pads reaching a dangerous thickness at the last major service interval means the pads and discs should be measured directly, with caliper slides and pins checked for free operation to rule out binding, especially given the low annual mileage which predisposes calipers to corrosion-related seizing. Additional checks appropriate to this vehicle's age and low usage profile include a careful examination of all tyres for sidewall perishing, ozone cracking, and age dots, as tyres older than six years should be replaced regardless of remaining tread. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as batteries that have sat partially discharged through periods of inactivity frequently fail without warning. Brake fluid should be verified against its age, as it typically requires replacement every two to three years regardless of mileage, and similarly the coolant, engine oil, and any clutch or gearbox fluid should be confirmed as within service intervals rather than assumed satisfactory based on odometer reading alone. A test drive should pay particular attention to smooth headlamp operation and correct beam alignment, given the recurring electrical and wiper faults across recent tests, and any intermittent warning lights or erratic wiper or lighting behaviour should be investigated before purchase. Confirming a full main dealer or specialist service history will be particularly important on a low mileage van, where time-based servicing is the primary determinant of mechanical condition.