2008 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · LC08 FOU

The most recent DVSA MOT recorded on 8 September 2025 shows a pass, but it is accompanied by an advisory for a minor oil leak and, on the same day, a dangerous failure for an off‑side rear tyre with a bulge caused by structural separation. The presence of a dangerous defect on the very latest test, together with recurring oil‑leak advisories and a history of major anti‑roll‑bar bush wear, suspension corrosion and exhaust leaks, indicates that the vehicle’s maintenance trajectory is deteriorating rather than stabilising. At 167,228 miles the car averages roughly 9,300 miles per year over its 18‑year life, a usage pattern that sits squarely within normal UK averages. There are no obvious periods of extreme mileage accumulation that would suggest severe wear spikes, but the moderate annual run‑off combined with the age of the chassis means many wear‑related components are now approaching the end of their service lives and will be subject to calendar‑based degradation as well as mileage‑based wear. A prospective buyer should give immediate attention to the off‑side rear tyre – the bulge noted as a dangerous fault is a sign of tyre carcass failure and the tyre must be replaced before any further use. While on the road, feel for any side‑wall flex, thumping or vibration that may indicate internal damage. The anti‑roll‑bar linkage pins and bushes on both front corners have been recorded as excessively worn on several occasions; inspect these for play, clunking or looseness when applying steering inputs, and verify that the rubber bushings are not cracked or collapsed. The near‑side rear suspension mounting area was flagged as significantly corroded, so examine the rear sub‑frame and leaf‑spring mounts for rust, cracked paint or any distortion that could affect structural integrity. The recurring oil‑leak advisory, though not excessive, warrants locating the source – typically a valve cover gasket, oil filter housing or oil pan gasket – and ensuring the oil level remains within specification and that no oil is leaking onto the exhaust or brake components. Check the front exhaust clamp and rear silencer for signs of cracks or loose fittings, and confirm that the headlamp aim on the off‑side front is correctly set, as a previous major failure could indicate misalignment that affects night‑time visibility. Given the vehicle’s age, also perform standard age‑related checks: inspect all tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry rot irrespective of tread depth, verify the 12 V battery can hold charge and that terminal corrosion is absent, and confirm that coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals – fluids can deteriorate even on low‑use cars. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding. Finally, request a full service book and any receipts for repairs following the 2021‑2024 failures; documented rectification of the anti‑roll‑bar bushes, suspension corrosion and exhaust clamp will give confidence that the most serious defects have been properly addressed before you commit to purchase.