2017 Citroen Relay 2.0L Diesel · FH17 PCX

A clean and uninterrupted DVSA roadworthiness record defines this 2017 Citroen Relay, with three consecutive passes at the most recent tests on 2025-11-18, 2024-11-25 and 2022-11-18, all returned with no advisories or defects recorded. The single failure listed on 2023-11-23 also carries no defect details, which on the DVSA system typically indicates a vehicle that could not be put through the full test rather than a mechanical refusal, and the fact that it passed immediately after with a clean sheet strongly suggests the issue was administrative or test-related rather than a genuine structural or safety defect. Across roughly three years of recorded testing there is no pattern of corrosion advisories, no recurring brake or suspension warnings, and no exhaust or emissions concerns, which is particularly reassuring for a large panel van of this age that is often pressed into heavy commercial use. The overall trajectory is therefore one of consistent compliance with the minimum legal standard. With 59,381 miles recorded against a nine-year vehicle age, this Relay has averaged approximately 6,598 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical band for a light commercial vehicle of its type and age. There is no significant testing gap that would suggest a prolonged period off the road, and the consistent year-on-year attendance at MOT means the mileage accumulation has been steady rather than erratic. For a van of this size, that kind of steady utilisation is generally kinder to components than either very high motorway mileage or long stationary periods, both of which bring their own issues around seized brakes, perished rubber and flat-spotted tyres. Mechanically, this profile suggests the drivetrain, clutch and turbo components have been worked regularly rather than left to deteriorate through disuse, while braking and suspension parts have seen consistent rather than sporadic loading. From a buyer inspection standpoint, the absence of any recorded advisories means there are no specific flagged components to target, but the nature of large front-wheel-drive commercial vans means a physical inspection is still worthwhile. Pay close attention to the front suspension, particularly the lower wishbones, drop links and anti-roll bar bushes, as these commonly wear on heavy vehicles and will produce clonking over speed humps and uneven road surfaces. Check the rear leaf spring bushes and shackles for cracking or movement, listen for any binding or dragging from the front brake calipers which can cause pulling under load, and inspect the underside for any corrosion around the subframe, brake pipes and fuel lines, as commercial vans are particularly prone to underfloor rust from winter road salt. Inside the cab, monitor for any warning lights, steering vagueness or excessive play at the front wheels, and confirm the clutch operates smoothly without slipping under load, as clutch wear is a common cost on vans of this size. On the test drive, focus on how the van behaves under the kind of load it has likely been used for. With the vehicle unladen, expect some firmness over bumps but listen for any sharp metallic knocks from the front suspension, which would indicate worn top mounts or spring seats rather than simple bush wear. Feel for any vibration through the steering wheel above 40 mph, which on these platforms can point to worn front strut bearings or balancing issues from kerbed wheels, and test the brakes firmly from around 30 mph to confirm there is no judder, pull to one side or excessive travel in the pedal. Finally, check for any smell of hot oil after a sustained run, any blue haze from the exhaust under acceleration which would indicate turbo or piston ring wear, and verify that the cooling fan cuts in promptly, as Relay vans of this era are known for cooling system and thermostat concerns that would not necessarily surface during a standard MOT but can develop into expensive repairs if overlooked.