2009 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · LC58 YBD

The Citroën Relay’s most recent MOT history shows a clean but irregular pattern, with the last test in June 2023 passing without defects at 219,674 miles—just days after a failed test at almost identical mileage. The absence of any recorded defects in either outcome suggests the vehicle met all legal thresholds at those points, though the failure itself is puzzling given no faults were logged. This could imply a procedural error or an oversight by the tester, but it also raises questions about whether the car was driven between tests without addressing any underlying issues. The trend appears stable in terms of passing the MOT, but the lack of advisories or defects over these three tests provides little insight into proactive maintenance beyond compliance. The mileage data reveals a vehicle with unusually high annual running—around 12,922 miles per year—given its age and model. The jump from 347,893 miles in July 2022 to 219,673 miles in May 2023 suggests either a significant odometer rollback or a misrecorded figure, as the mileage dropped by over 128,000 miles in under a year, which is implausible. Assuming the 2022 figure is correct, the Relay would have covered roughly 12,000 miles between July 2022 and May 2023, aligning more closely with typical annual usage. However, the absence of any MOT tests between those dates—nearly 12 months—is concerning, as vehicles over three years old must be tested annually. This gap implies either prolonged off-road storage or deliberate avoidance of testing, both of which could mask deferred maintenance. Given the sparse MOT record, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of high-wear components, particularly the brakes, suspension, and drivetrain, which are critical on a high-mileage vehicle of this age. The rear brakes should be checked for binding or uneven wear, as the 2023 failure without defects might still indicate underlying issues not captured in the test. Suspension bushes, coil springs, and ball joints are likely candidates for deterioration given the mileage, while the exhaust system and emissions controls should be verified for leaks or corrosion. Structural integrity is another key area—rust in wheel arches, sills, or subframes is common on a 17-year-old vehicle, especially if previous owners neglected basic corrosion protection. Tyre condition and tread depth should also be scrutinised, as the lack of advisories in the MOT history suggests they may not have been a priority for the seller.