2021 Citroen Relay 35 L2H2 Eprise Bhdi S/S 2.2L Diesel · BJ07 BNJ

The most recent MOT test on 27 March 2026 resulted in a pass, but the record should not be viewed in isolation because it carried two advisories alongside a minor defect. The nearside rear shock absorber showing light misting of oil is an early indicator of seal degradation; while not yet a failure point, the component will continue to weep and replacement should be planned within the next service interval. The offside rear service brake binding slightly is more concerning on a commercial vehicle of this weight, as a binding caliper or slightly seized slider pin will accelerate pad wear on that corner, generate excessive heat, and potentially lead to warped disc surfaces. The recurring offside registration plate lamp issue from 2024 and the offside rear lamp in 2026 suggest an intermittent electrical fault on that side of the vehicle, which warrants a proper inspection of the earth points and bulb holders rather than just bulb replacement. Overall the maintenance trend appears broadly stable rather than worsening, but the rear suspension and braking advisories are accumulating and indicate that consumable and component wear is progressing as expected for a high-mileage commercial platform. With 87,235 miles recorded over approximately five years, this Citroen Relay is averaging around 17,447 miles per year, which is notably high for a panel van of this age. Such intensive commercial use places considerable strain on the clutch, dual-mass flywheel if equipped, front brake discs and pads, steering rack bushes, and the lower wishbone and anti-roll bar bushes which are common failure points on the Relay chassis. The relatively consistent MOT dates suggest the vehicle has been in regular service rather than left standing for extended periods, which is mechanically beneficial in terms of avoiding severe brake disc corrosion and perishing components, but it does mean wear-related items will need attention sooner than on a lower-mileage equivalent. Any prospective buyer should verify the service book stamps and cross-check them against the mileage to confirm that cambelt, oil, and filter changes have been carried out at the correct intervals. On a physical inspection, the buyer should pay particular attention to the rear suspension, as the shock absorber advisory from the latest test indicates the dampers are beginning to fail. Look for damp patches on the shock absorber bodies and check for any sagging at the rear when unladen, as worn dampers will struggle to support the weight of the rear doors and load floor. On the test drive, listen for clonking noises from the rear over bumps, which would confirm worn shock absorbers and possibly tired coil springs, and pay attention to any pulling to one side or a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal, as the binding brake noted on the advisory could lead to juddering under load. The offside registration plate lamp should be checked in person, as the fact that this defect has appeared on both the rear and the offside front lamps suggests an underlying wiring or connector issue rather than simple bulb failure. Inspect the rear brake calipers for free movement and check the offside rear disc surface for hot spots or uneven wear indicating persistent drag. Beyond the recorded MOT items, this high-mileage 2021 Relay should be inspected with age-appropriate and usage-appropriate checks in mind. The tyres should be examined closely for uneven shoulder wear which would indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues, and for any cracking or perishing of the sidewalls given the vehicle's age, even if tread depth remains legal. Given the elevated annual mileage, the 12V battery is likely under significant strain from frequent stop-start operation and should be load-tested, while the brake fluid should be sampled to check for moisture content as it degrades over time regardless of mileage and can lead to a soft pedal if neglected. The dual-mass flywheel, clutch, and turbocharger on the BlueHDi engine are all known wear items at this sort of mileage, so listen for any rattle on overrun from the flywheel and check for any blue smoke on start-up or under load. Finally, verify the timing belt replacement interval has been observed, as neglect of this on a high-mileage diesel can lead to catastrophic engine damage, and ensure the oil level and condition are checked via the dipstick for any signs of emulsification which would indicate a failing head gasket or EGR-related coolant issues.