2023 Citroen Relay 35L3H2 Eprise ED Bhdi SS 2.2L Diesel · LJ23 DRC

A heavy commercial workload is immediately apparent from the testing history of this Citroen Relay, which accumulated multiple electrical and braking defects leading to a failure on 25 June 2026 before securing a pass shortly after on 4 July 2026. The initial refusal certificate highlighted several significant faults including an inoperative offside front dipped beam headlamp, an untestable headlamp aim, and a malfunctioning 13 pin rear trailer electrical socket, alongside a worn offside rear inner tyre and an inoperative registration plate lamp. While the subsequent test cleared the major lighting and electrical defects to grant roadworthiness, the pass was issued with lingering advisories for thin nearside rear brake pads, worn rear brake discs, and edge wear on the offside rear inner tyre, establishing a wear pattern centered heavily on the rear braking and axle assemblies. At approximately three years of age with 51,264 miles recorded by mid-2026, the vehicle has covered roughly 17,088 miles annually, representing an intensive multi-drop or trunking usage profile well above typical private expectations. This high-intensity operational tempo places accelerated physical demands on the chassis, drivetrain, and stopping hardware, meaning consumables like brakes and tyres naturally experience faster depletion than they would under lighter duty cycles. The presence of worn rear brake discs and thinning pads at this mileage confirms that the heavy working life has directly impacted the friction materials, requiring a close assessment of remaining service life before undertaking further commercial operations. Prospective buyers must thoroughly examine the rear braking system on a test drive, listening for any metallic scraping, grinding, or squealing from the rear axle that would confirm the advised disc wear and thin pads require immediate component replacement. Pay close attention to the footbrake pedal feel for any pulsation or excessive travel, and check the handbrake operation thoroughly on an incline given the high mileage and rear-biased wear patterns. Furthermore, inspect the offside rear tyre edge wear closely to determine if tracking, suspension geometry alignment, or heavy loading contributed to premature shoulder degradation, and verify that the 13 pin trailer electrical socket functions correctly under a load test if towing capability is required for your intended work. Finally, test all front lighting components and headlamp aim settings to ensure the previous electrical faults have been permanently resolved rather than temporarily patched, and inspect the registration plate lamp housing for moisture ingress or corrosion. Check the engine bay and underside for any signs of heavy oil misting or fluid leaks associated with intensive commercial running, and ensure the steering tracks straight without pulling under braking. Verifying these specific flagged items during a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection will protect against immediate repair overheads on a van that has clearly worked hard for its living.