2021 Citroen Relay 35 L3H2 Eprise Bhdi S/S 2.2L Diesel · LE21 BCF

The 2021 Citroen Relay has demonstrated a mixed roadworthiness trajectory over its five-year ownership span, beginning with a successful MOT in January 2025 followed by a significant failure in March 2026, and concluding with a clean pass in March 2026 albeit with a non-major oil leak advisory. The pattern reveals a stable recent period punctuated by a critical parking brake failure that required immediate attention before the most recent test, though the absence of an intervening MOT between January and March 2026 suggests extended intervals between professional assessments. The overall trend indicates a vehicle that remained roadworthy during the initial phase of its life but encountered systemic issues in the parking brake system and lubrication that have now re-emerged, necessitating a careful evaluation before purchase. With 47,615 registered miles on a model that is approximately five years old, the vehicle accumulates roughly 9,500 miles annually, which aligns with expected depreciation and wear patterns for its age group. The gap between the January 2025 and March 2026 MOTs represents nearly six months without recorded service, and the lack of subsequent testing through September 2026 raises questions about the continued health of the powertrain and subsystems that showed problems earlier. While the mileage itself is not exceptional, the timing of the major parking brake failure occurring shortly before the last passing test suggests potential underlying issues in the braking assembly that may have progressed despite the interim interval. The lower-than-usual rate of new MOT entries does not necessarily indicate neglect but rather highlights the importance of verifying the current state of key systems before committing to ownership. The parking brake system warrants particular scrutiny given the major failure in January 2025 involving reduced efficiency and excessive lever play, which recurred in the March 2026 test where the same component triggered a fail-to-pass result. A test drive should be conducted while applying steady pressure to the parking brake to assess whether the lever maintains consistent engagement throughout the travel range and whether the pedal feels firm without spongy modulation. Additionally, the persistent oil leak advisory across both the 2025 and 2026 MOTs indicates a continuous fluid loss issue that could compromise engine performance and increase consumption; inspecting the dipstick area and checking for fresh oil residue around the sump and filter housing will help determine if this is a sealing problem requiring repair before the vehicle is driven regularly. Front and rear headlamp aim discrepancies were recorded in both the January 2025 and March 2026 MOTs, with both instances showing the lamps set to Level 3 regardless of the vehicle's actual weight, resulting in inadequate illumination for the intended driving conditions. During a test drive, verify that the headlights cut off appropriately when the vehicle is loaded and that they provide adequate forward visibility under various angles, as misalignment can affect safety and compliance with lighting regulations. The January 2025 rear brake pad wear advisory signals progressive abrasion of the friction material, which typically manifests as a grinding noise during deceleration or noticeable reduction in stopping distance; a thorough visual inspection of the pad thickness and rotor condition is essential, and replacement should be considered if the remaining material falls below the manufacturer's minimum clearance specification.