2018 Citroen Relay 2.0L Diesel · LD68 WDM

A clean and uninterrupted MOT record across all four recent tests, with the most recent assessment on 29 August 2025 returning a straightforward pass and no advisories recorded, positions this 2018 Citroen Relay as a mechanically sound van from a roadworthiness perspective. The earlier failure on 26 October 2022 stands out only because the subsequent tests in November 2022, November 2023, and September 2024 all passed without any defects noted, suggesting whatever issue prompted that single failure was rectified without leaving a recurring problem. The absence of advisories across multiple consecutive tests is notable for a commercial vehicle of this age, as vans of similar vintage frequently accumulate minor wear items such as corroded brake pipes, worn suspension components, or play in steering linkages. The lack of any such flagged items indicates the structural and safety-critical systems have remained within legal tolerances throughout the documented testing history. With 94,296 miles accumulated over approximately eight years, the Relay is running at an average annual mileage of around 11,787 miles, which sits squarely within expected parameters for a working commercial vehicle and avoids the pitfalls of either very low or exceptionally high usage. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing timeline, with annual tests carried out consistently from 2022 through 2025, indicating the vehicle has been in active service and not laid up for extended periods. This steady, moderate usage pattern is mechanically favourable as it suggests regular fluid circulation through the drivetrain, consistent brake and tyre wear, and fewer issues associated with long-term stationary storage such as dried seals or seized calipers. The mileage progression also avoids the rapid accumulation that would raise concerns about clutch wear, turbo fatigue, or premature drivetrain component replacement. Given the absence of any advisories or recurring component flags in the MOT record, a prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection and test drive on the areas most prone to wear on a high-payload commercial vehicle of this age and mileage. Particular attention should be paid to the front suspension, specifically the lower wishbones, anti-roll bar bushes, and drop links, as these components typically exhibit play or deterioration through pothole exposure and heavy load cycles, manifesting as knocking or clonking over uneven road surfaces or when turning at low speed. The steering rack and track rod ends should be checked for excessive free play by rocking the steering wheel gently with the engine running, feeling for any clonking or slackness at the front wheels. The braking system warrants close scrutiny despite no recorded defects, with particular emphasis on the flexible brake hoses and any underfloor brake pipework where road salt can initiate corrosion, especially given the commercial duty cycle of this vehicle. During a test drive, listen for any binding caliper symptoms such as the van pulling to one side under braking or excessive heat from a front wheel after a run, and feel for brake pedal pulsation that could indicate disc warping. The rear leaf springs, mounting bushes, and shock absorbers should also be inspected for sagging, cracked leaves, or leakage, as a laden commercial platform places considerable stress on these components. Finally, a thorough check underneath for any emerging structural corrosion around the sills, wheel arches, and subframe mounting points will be worthwhile given the typical eight-year exposure to UK winter road treatment.