2016 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · KR06 GWR

The Citroën Relay’s roadworthiness has shown a clear pattern of neglect in recent years, with the most recent MOT in March 2026—just four months ago—revealing a mix of unresolved and newly introduced faults despite passing. The March 2026 failure was heavily weighted towards electrical and minor adjustment issues (parking brake efficiency, seat adjustment, lighting circuits, and mirror security), none of which directly threaten structural or mechanical integrity but indicate a lack of basic checks. The fact that it passed immediately after suggests these were straightforward fixes, yet the persistence of parking brake deficiencies—first noted in March 2025 and still failing in 2026—points to a component either worn beyond simple adjustment or repeatedly overlooked. The absence of defects in the March 2026 pass is misleading; it masks deeper concerns, particularly the recurring brake disc condition on the near-side front, which has been flagged twice (March 2025 and 2026) as pitted or scored, albeit not critically weakened. This suggests either aggressive driving or poor maintenance practices, as such wear typically accelerates when discs are not replaced or resurfaced in tandem with brake pads. The Relay’s mileage accumulation—121,213 miles over roughly ten years—averages around 12,120 miles annually, which is high for its age and class, accelerating wear on consumables and stressing suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components. The rapid mileage gain between tests is notable: just 1,036 miles were covered in the year between March 2024 (105,851 miles) and March 2025 (112,217 miles), but the subsequent 8,996 miles to March 2026 imply either a period of heavier use or an error in mileage recording. The March 2024 test showed both front tyres worn close to the legal limit, a clear sign of underinflation or aggressive cornering, yet by March 2025, the near-side rear tyre had developed cracking—suggesting either a puncture repair or prolonged exposure to substandard conditions. The lack of intermediate MOTs between these dates raises questions about whether the vehicle was driven without testing, which is unusual for a car of this age and mileage. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect in person are the parking brake mechanism and the near-side front brake system. The repeated parking brake failures imply either a faulty cable, worn adjuster, or seized caliper, all of which require mechanical intervention rather than simple tightening. The near-side front brake disc’s persistent pitting or scoring—despite not being classified as a serious defect—should prompt a closer look at the caliper’s operation, as binding or uneven wear can indicate misalignment or fluid contamination. Suspension components, particularly the rear, warrant scrutiny given the tyre cracking and potential for age-related bush or spring degradation, while the electrical faults (lighting, wipers, seat adjustment) suggest wiring or connector issues that may recur. The absence of structural corrosion or major drivetrain advisories is a positive, but the overall trend of deferred maintenance on core safety systems—brakes, lighting, and seating—demands cautious consideration.