2007 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · FD07 EUN

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2007 Citroen Relay, conducted on 9 January 2026, resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents a positive immediate outcome for a prospective buyer. However, when reviewing the broader history, the maintenance trend appears mixed rather than steadily improving. The vehicle passed on 19 September 2023 and again on 26 October 2024, but recorded failures on 20 September 2024 and 2 January 2026, with the latter quickly followed by a retest pass on 9 January 2026. This pattern of fail-then-immediate-retest-pass suggests that minor rectifiable issues are being addressed shortly before or after each annual test, which is common for commercial-style vehicles of this age, but a buyer should still verify what specifically caused the recent failures by obtaining the examiner's failure documentation, as the DVSA history omits these specifics. With 229,905 miles recorded over approximately 19 years, this Relay averages around 12,100 miles per annum, which is notably high for a passenger-derived platform and indicates consistent, often heavy-duty usage consistent with light commercial operation. There are no obvious long gaps in the recorded mileage progression between tests, implying the vehicle has remained in active service rather than standing idle for extended periods. Mechanically, this sustained high mileage raises the probability of wear on major drivetrain and chassis components, including clutch wear, gearbox synchro fatigue, turbocharger degradation if diesel, and general engine internal wear, all of which would warrant close physical inspection and ideally a compression or leak-down test where feasible. Given the vehicle's age and mileage profile, even in the absence of recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should undertake a thorough physical inspection focusing on age- and use-related degradation. The tyres should be examined closely for both tread depth and, importantly, sidewall perishing or cracking, which is common on vehicles of this vintage regardless of remaining tread, and all four corners plus the spare should be checked for uneven wear patterns that may indicate suspension geometry issues or binding calipers. The braking system should be inspected for disc lipping, pad wear, and any signs of seized caliper slides, particularly given that commercial vehicles often suffer from uneven loading effects on the braking components. Under-bonnet checks should include the 12V battery state of health, the condition and tension of auxiliary drive belts, and any evidence of fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, or steering rack, while the underside should be examined for corrosion on structural members, suspension arms, and brake or fuel lines, which is a known concern for commercial Citroen platforms operating in UK winter conditions. Finally, attention should be paid to time-based servicing items that the MOT does not assess but which are critical at this age and mileage. Coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should all be considered for replacement based on calendar age, as these degrade regardless of mileage and can lead to corrosion or component failure if neglected. The timing belt or chain interval should be verified against service records, as failure on the 2.2 or 2.3 diesel units commonly fitted to the Relay can result in catastrophic engine damage. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clonks over bumps, which would suggest worn bushes or tired coil springs, and pay attention to steering play, clutch slip under load, and any unusual transmission noises, all of which become more probable at this accumulated mileage. A full service history with documented cambelt replacements and recent major component renewals would significantly strengthen buyer confidence in this high-mileage, late-plate commercial vehicle.