2016 Citroen Relay 35 L3H2 Enterprise HDI 2.2L Heavy oil · LG16 ABF

The most recent DVSA examination dated 18 August 2026 recorded a PASS with no advisories or defects noted, which is the strongest possible outcome and indicates the vehicle was presented in a roadworthy condition at that time. Looking at the broader pattern across the recorded tests, the maintenance trend can be described as broadly stable rather than progressive, but with a notable caveat. The vehicle passed cleanly in September 2024 and September 2025, yet both of those passes were preceded within roughly three weeks by a FAIL outcome on essentially identical dates in August 2024 and September 2025. Although no defect details were captured against either failure, this repeated pattern of a fail quickly followed by a pass strongly suggests the vehicle was repaired and re-presented, and prospective buyers should obtain documentation or invoices confirming what work was undertaken between each failure and subsequent pass. The absence of any recorded advisories over a two-year period is unusual for a high-mileage commercial vehicle of this age, which means either faults were rectified before test or the records may not fully reflect borderline items. Against the vehicle's age of approximately ten years, the recorded 121,403 miles equates to an annual average of around 12,140 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a working panel van and consistent with commercial or trade use rather than private mileage. There is no significant mileage gap evident from the MOT record, suggesting reasonably continuous operation, which from a mechanical standpoint is generally preferable to a low-mileage van that has spent long periods standing as it reduces the likelihood of seized brakes, perished coolant hoses, and deteriorated fuel system components. However, this level of annual mileage does mean that wear-rate items such as clutch assemblies, dual-mass flywheels, turbocharger bearings, suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar links, and engine mountings will have been subjected to substantial cumulative stress. Brake discs and pads, along with tyres, will almost certainly have been replaced multiple times, and the absence of any advisory recording on brake component condition across the recent tests should be specifically verified with the seller. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories does not remove the obligation to carry out a thorough physical inspection, and several age-and-mileage-appropriate checks are particularly relevant to this Citroen Relay. On the exterior, the tyres should be examined closely for tread depth across the full width, but more importantly the sidewalls should be checked for cracking, perishing, and UV-related degradation, as a ten-year-old vehicle may still be running rubber that has age-hardened even with adequate tread. The underside of the vehicle should be inspected for any signs of fluid leakage from the engine, power steering, or transmission, and the condition of the exhaust system including the rear silencer, intermediate pipe, and mounting rubbers should be evaluated for corrosion, particularly around the rear heat shield area. The 12-volt battery, although not part of the MOT inspection, should have its state of health assessed as a battery approaching the end of its service life can leave a working van stranded, and the date code on the existing unit should be checked. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the behaviour of the clutch, which on high-mileage diesel vans commonly exhibits judder, slipping under load, or difficulty engaging first and reverse gears. Any signs of clutch slip on inclines or under acceleration, or a high biting point suggesting impending slave cylinder or release bearing wear, should be regarded as a negotiating point. The suspension should be tested over uneven road surfaces, listening for clonks or knocks emanating from the front bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and top mounts, while any pulling to one side or uneven tyre wear across an axle would warrant further investigation of the wheel alignment or bent components. The brakes should be assessed for a firm pedal, straight-line stopping without pulling, and the absence of any grinding or vibration through the pedal, which could indicate warped or excessively corroded discs. Finally, given the calendar age of the vehicle, it is prudent to verify when the engine oil and filter, diesel fuel filter, brake fluid, coolant, and timing belt or chain service were last carried out, as time-based servicing remains essential regardless of mileage, and any missing service book stamps or gaps in the maintenance record should be addressed before committing to purchase.