2005 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · LB55 EWW

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT but the history reveals a concerning trend of structural degradation and mechanical neglect. While the most recent test in October 2025 at 107,557 miles resulted in a pass, it noted that the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint still exhibits slight play. This specific fault has been flagged in every test since June 2023, indicating that the owner has opted to monitor the wear rather than replace the component. The overall state is stable but deteriorating rather than improving. At 21 years old, the recorded mileage of 107,557 miles represents a low annual average of approximately 5,122 miles. This low usage pattern often correlates with accelerated aging of rubber components and metal structures, which is evident in this record. Between June 2023 and June 2024, the vehicle covered only 1,743 miles, yet it suffered a major failure involving significant structural corrosion and lighting issues. The lack of mileage suggests the vehicle may sit for long periods, leading to the perishing of tyres and seized brake-related component failure. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the chassis and structural integrity. The June 2024 failure at 104,397 miles highlighted excessive corrosion on the nearside rear suspension mounting and both front shock absorber top mounting areas. While the October 2025 test claimed structural rigidity was not yet significantly reduced, the presence of deep corrosion on a vehicle of this age suggests a high risk of future structural failure. The buyer should also verify the offside front CV boot, which was noted split in 2024, failing to prevent dirt ingress. The braking system requires close attention as the parking brake failed efficiency requirements in October 2025 and was only rectified for the retest ten days later. The front brake discs were already pitted and scored in 2024, and the offside front service brake was reported binding. Given the recurring play in the ball joints and the misting on the offside shock absorber, the entire front suspension assembly is nearing the end of its operational life and will require significant investment to ensure reliable roadworthiness.