2020 Citroen Relay 35 L3H2 Eprise Bhdi S/S 2.2L Diesel · CE20 TXT

A pattern of rear brake deterioration sits at the centre of this Citroen Relay's MOT record and is the defining mechanical concern for any prospective buyer. The vehicle passed its most recent test on 28 May 2026 with no defects recorded, which is encouraging, but this clean result sits immediately after a presentation failure on 8 May 2025 for insufficient rear brake pedal reserve travel, and that same 2025 date also carries a much more serious dangerous failure from twelve months earlier on 30 May 2024, when rear brake linings were found to have worn below the 1.5 mm minimum. Two rear brake related failures within roughly twelve months, one at dangerous level, is a meaningful cluster of evidence and cannot be dismissed as a one off oversight. The fact that the 2025 and 2026 passes show no advisories suggests the braking system has since been overhauled, but it is impossible to confirm from MOT data alone whether the work addressed the underlying cause or simply restored the components to a passable state, so the rear braking circuit must be treated as the priority inspection area before purchase. Annual mileage is broadly in line with expectations for a 2020 panel van of this type, with the recorded 56,763 miles accumulated over six years equating to roughly 9,460 miles per year, which is consistent with moderate commercial or mixed use rather than heavy long distance work or long periods of standing. There are no extended gaps in the testing record, with an annual MOT entry present for each of 2024, 2025, and 2026, which removes any concern about the vehicle being laid up for multiple consecutive years and suffering the typical issues that accompany that, such as seized calipers, deteriorated brake flexihoses, or perished suspension bushes from inactivity. The relatively steady yearly progression supports a working vehicle that has been in regular service, and means wear on consumable items such as tyres, brake pads, discs, and clutch components is likely to be broadly proportional to that mileage rather than disproportionately high or low. Given the historical rear brake failures, the most important pre purchase check is a thorough physical inspection of the entire rear braking system. Ask to see evidence of the brake overhaul carried out between the 2024 failure and the 2025 pass, including replacement part receipts, and verify the work covered rear brake shoes or pads, drums or discs where applicable, wheel cylinders or caliper sliding mechanisms, and the brake fluid which should have been refreshed at the same time. On a test drive, listen for any metallic scraping from the rear wheels, watch for the handbrake failing to hold the vehicle on an incline, and note whether the brake pedal feels spongy or travels further than expected towards the floor, as the 2025 failure specifically flagged insufficient pedal reserve travel which is often a symptom of rear drum auto adjuster malfunction or hydraulic imbalance between front and rear circuits. Uneven pulling to one side under braking would also warrant immediate investigation. Beyond the braking system, the vehicle's record does not flag any suspension, steering, corrosion, or exhaust advisories, but a large unlad panel van of this size is still prone to wear in components that MOT testing does not always fully reveal, particularly front suspension wishbones, drop links, anti roll bar bushes, and the steering rack gaiters. On test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front wheels over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which typically indicates worn drop links or anti roll bar bushes, and feel for any vagueness, wander, or judder through the steering wheel which can point to worn track rod ends or rack wear. Inspect the underside for any surface rust on structural items such as the front subframe and rear axle casing, paying particular attention to brake pipes running along the chassis rails, as corrosion here is a common MOT failure point on vans of this age. Finally, check that the diesel particulate filter functions correctly by ensuring the vehicle can be driven at sustained higher speeds without triggering a filter warning light, as commercial diesels frequently used for short urban journeys are more prone to passive regeneration issues.