2014 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · LL14 CMF

The vehicle was last presented for DVSA MOT testing on 27 February 2026 and was issued a pass certificate, although a single advisory was recorded against the steering rack inner joint(s), indicating play. Evaluating the overall maintenance trend across the recorded history reveals a vehicle that has consistently passed its annual roadworthiness examinations but with a pattern of advisories that has escalated in severity over the past three years. In 2020 and 2021 the record was largely clean, but from 2022 onwards recurring concerns have emerged regarding front suspension damping, brake pedal condition, and tyre wear on both axles. The 2024 test produced a fail outcome due to major defects in both front shock absorbers, which exhibited negligible damping effect and serious fluid leakage, alongside a headlamp aim issue, and the subsequent re-test on the same date recorded the brake pad and rear tyre advisories. The fact that a pass was ultimately achieved in 2026 without any major defects is a positive sign, yet the continuing advisory regarding steering play warrants close scrutiny during any pre-purchase inspection. With a recorded odometer reading of 210,211 miles on a 2014 Citroën Relay, the vehicle has accumulated an average of approximately 17,500 miles per year, which is a notably high usage rate for a large panel van of this age and indicates sustained commercial or heavy-duty service rather than occasional light use. There are no significant gaps or dormant periods evident in the annual testing pattern, suggesting continuous operation. This level of mileage places considerable demand upon the powertrain, clutch, turbocharger, braking system, suspension components, and drivetrain mountings, all of which will have experienced substantial wear. Prospective buyers should be mindful that high-mileage commercial vehicles of this type often require more frequent replacement of wear-and-tear items, and the MOT history does reflect accelerated consumption of components such as tyres, brake pads, and shock absorbers. The most persistent and mechanically significant theme across the MOT record is the condition of the front suspension, with shock absorber defects and advisories appearing in five of the seven recorded tests from 2022 through 2024. Although the 2026 test result did not flag the dampers, the advisory regarding steering rack inner joint play suggests that wear within the front axle assembly remains ongoing. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to any irregular noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, including clonking, knocking, or rattling sounds indicative of worn bushes, drop links, or anti-roll bar components. The steering should be assessed for looseness, vagueness, or any knocking sensation through the wheel when turning, particularly at low speed, and the vehicle should be observed for excessive dive under braking or unusual body roll through corners, which would suggest weakened dampers. Uneven or scalloped tyre wear, particularly on the inside or outside edges, would further confirm suspension geometry issues. Beyond the suspension concerns, the recurring advisories relating to tyre wear close to the legal limit and worn-on-edge conditions across multiple test cycles indicate that this vehicle is consuming tyres at a rate consistent with either aggressive commercial use, improper wheel alignment, or the knock-on effects of the deteriorating suspension components noted above. New tyres should be inspected for manufacture date, as aged sidewalls can perish regardless of tread depth, and all four wheels should be checked for even wear patterns. The brake pedal wearing smooth advisory recorded in both 2022 and 2023 is a common MOT observation reflecting the high-mileage pedal use typical of commercial vans, and although not a failure item, it can indicate a worn or hardened rubber pedal pad that may benefit from replacement. Brake feel should be tested for firmness, and the vehicle should be brought up to speed and braked firmly to detect any judder, pulling to one side, or grinding noises suggestive of warped discs or worn pads. Given the high annual mileage and the age of the vehicle, a prospective buyer should also verify the service history for evidence of regular timing belt replacement, as the Citroën Relay diesel engine typically requires this at six-year or 100,000-mile intervals, and confirm the age and condition of the 12-volt battery, which commonly fails in vehicles of this age. Finally, examine the underside and engine bay for any signs of fluid leaks, corrosion to structural components, and the condition of the exhaust system, all of which are critical given the heavy commercial use this vehicle appears to have endured.