2007 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · GL07 TLO

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2007 Citroen Relay was conducted on 8 December 2022, resulting in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded. The only other entry in the history is a pass dated 14 December 2021, again with no defects recorded. While a clean pair of passes is reassuring, the record is notably sparse, covering only the most recent two years of the vehicle's nineteen-year life and offering no insight into its condition prior to 2021. The absence of advisories on these two occasions suggests no items were borderline, though it does not rule out underlying wear consistent with age. Overall, the maintenance trend across the documented period appears stable, but the brevity of the record limits any firm conclusion regarding long-term mechanical upkeep. With a recorded mileage of 50,975 miles spread across approximately nineteen years, this vehicle has averaged around 2,683 miles annually, which is exceptionally low for a commercial van of this type. Such low usage typically indicates either light-duty operation or, more concerningly, extended periods of standing. For a vehicle originally designed for commercial load-carrying and frequent use, prolonged inactivity can be particularly damaging to components that rely on regular heat cycles and movement, while paradoxically sparing high-mileage wear items such as the clutch and drivetrain. The gap between 2021 and 2022 tests, combined with the lack of any mileage progression notes in the record, also makes it difficult to verify whether the vehicle has been used consistently or has stood idle for considerable intervals. Given the age and low annual mileage, a prospective buyer should prioritise inspecting items that degrade with time rather than use. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds harden and deteriorate after roughly six to seven years regardless of tread depth, and the date code on the sidewall should be checked to confirm they are not excessively aged even if unworn. The brake discs and calipers are highly likely to exhibit surface corrosion from standing, and seized or binding calipers are a common issue on low-use vehicles; these can manifest as uneven tyre wear, a pulling sensation under braking, or a brake shudder on the test drive. The exhaust system, particularly the rear silencer and underfloor sections, should be inspected for corrosion given the van's age, and the 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries that have sat partially discharged over long periods rarely recover full capacity. Fluid condition is another critical area, as brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should ideally be renewed every two years regardless of mileage, while coolant and engine oil also degrade through oxidation. The service history should be scrutinised for evidence of time-based servicing rather than purely mileage-based intervals, and any gaps in the record should be investigated. On a test drive, listen for suspension clonks or knocking over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn bushes, drop links, or coil springs fatigued from age rather than mileage, and pay attention to any excessive play in the steering. Given the lack of documented MOT history prior to 2021, it would be prudent to commission an independent pre-purchase inspection, as nineteen years of unrecorded test outcomes leave significant uncertainty about the structural integrity and corrosion status of the chassis, bulkhead, and load floor areas common to ageing Relay vans.