2006 Citroen Relay 2.0L Diesel · JST 237N

The Citroën Relay in question presents a stable roadworthiness profile, with the most recent MOT—conducted just seven months ago on 5 December 2024—showing no defects at 62,239 miles. This follows a pattern of alternating passes and fails over the past three years, yet none of the test outcomes have cited any mechanical or structural issues. The December 2024 pass, in particular, suggests the vehicle met all DVSA thresholds for safety and emissions without advisories, indicating that whatever caused the prior fails (if any) has since been addressed. The absence of recurring defects in the official record implies either meticulous maintenance or benign issues easily rectified, though the repeated fails—particularly the back-to-back failures in December 2023 and 2024—do hint at potential minor oversights, such as expired tyres or minor lighting faults, which may have been resolved promptly. The vehicle’s mileage of 62,239 over 20 years equates to an average of just 3,112 miles annually, well below the typical annual run for its age group. This low usage could reflect occasional or seasonal driving, with the mileage remaining static for extended periods—noticeably, the 2022 test at 60,896 miles shows only 506 miles logged in the following 12 months before the next test. Such minimal accumulation reduces wear on primary components like brakes, suspension, and drivetrain, but it also raises questions about whether the vehicle has been stored or used sparingly. The lack of mileage progression between tests may also suggest the owner prioritises longevity over regular servicing intervals, which could mask deferred maintenance issues not yet surfaced in MOTs. Given the clean MOT history but the pattern of fails, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of consumable items—particularly tyre condition, tread depth, and age—since these are the most common reasons for MOT fails. Check for uneven wear or cracks in the tyres, as the fails in late 2023 and 2024 could indicate previous borderline tread depths. The suspension should be scrutinised for worn bushes, degraded coil springs, or signs of leakage in dampers, especially given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, which might mask gradual wear. Brakes, including discs, pads, and calipers, should be tested for binding or excessive wear, as binding calipers are a frequent cause of fails in similar vehicles. Finally, inspect the underbody and wheel arches for corrosion, particularly around the sills and exhaust mounts, as rust penetration could compromise structural integrity over time.