2008 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · LE57 BPY

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 February 2024 resulted in a PASS with no advisories or defects recorded against the vehicle, which is the most relevant indicator of its present roadworthy condition. The recorded test history shows a pattern of mixed results at the 2022 and 2023 anniversaries, where each visit included both a FAIL and a PASS on the same date, suggesting the vehicle was presented with a defect, rectified on site or shortly afterwards, and then re-presented within the same inspection window. While no specific defect codes are recorded on file, this dual-pass/dual-fail pattern indicates the owner is actively maintaining the Relay rather than allowing failures to accumulate, and the clean pass in early 2024 suggests any prior issues have been addressed and have not immediately recurred. Overall, the trend appears stable rather than deteriorating, but a prospective buyer should be mindful that no advisories are recorded to indicate the condition of wearing components at the most recent test. The recorded mileage of 136,700 miles over approximately 18 years equates to an annual average of around 7,600 miles, which is broadly typical for a commercial panel van of this age and is consistent with a mix of urban delivery work and some longer-distance use. There are no obvious anomalies such as sudden mileage jumps or implausibly low annual figures that would suggest clocking or extended periods of standing unused. That said, a commercial vehicle of this vintage will have accumulated wear across all major mechanical systems in line with its mileage, particularly the clutch, turbocharger (if diesel), dual-mass flywheel, suspension components, and braking system. The mileage is now well into the territory where engine and gearbox internal wear, as well as potential rear axle or driveshaft degradation on the heavier variants, warrant close scrutiny. Given that the MOT history is clean and free from recorded advisories, there is no specific component defect history to investigate, which means the buyer must rely on a thorough physical inspection to identify the age and mileage-related issues that the standardised MOT test does not cover. On a test drive, listen carefully for any suspension clunks or knocking from the front MacPherson struts and rear leaf spring bushes, as these are common failure points on high-mileage Relays, and pay attention to uneven tyre wear which may indicate worn wishbone bushes or torsion bar issues. Check for brake shudder or pulling under braking, which would suggest warped front discs or binding calipers, and inspect the tyres not only for tread depth but for sidewall cracking or perishing consistent with age, even if the tread appears adequate. Start the engine from cold and listen for excessive diesel clatter, timing chain rattle, or turbo whistle, and check for any blue or excessive black exhaust smoke that could indicate oil consumption or turbo seal failure. Given the vehicle is now 18 years old, several time-based servicing items require verification regardless of the recorded mileage. Confirm that the cambelt and water pump have been replaced in line with Citroen manufacturer intervals, typically every 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, and check the service book for evidence of regular oil and filter changes. Inspect the 12V battery condition and verify that brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid have been changed at their recommended calendar intervals, as these fluids degrade chemically over time even when the vehicle is in regular use. Examine the underside for any surface corrosion or fluid leaks, particularly around the rear leaf spring hangers, subframe mounting points, and exhaust system, as corrosion is a common MoT failure item on commercial vehicles of this age. Finally, verify the operation of all interior switches, the heating and ventilation system, central locking, and any ancillary equipment such as load area lighting, as electrical faults on older commercial vehicles can be costly to remedy and are not always flagged during routine MOT testing.