2005 Citroen Relay 2.8L Diesel · LX54 HHR

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of progressive structural degradation and mechanical wear. While the most recent test in February 2026 at 183,335 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle had failed immediately prior due to a faulty indicator and steering rack play. The presence of a persistent oil leak and general underside corrosion across multiple years suggests that while immediate safety faults are addressed to pass inspections, the underlying integrity of the chassis is in a state of ongoing decline. At a recorded 183,335 miles over 21 years, the Citroen averages approximately 8,700 miles per annum, which is consistent with typical usage for a commercial vehicle of this age. The data shows consistent operation, with roughly 8,000 miles covered between January 2024 and February 2025, and another 8,000 miles leading into the February 2026 test. This steady mileage indicates the vehicle is not sat frequently, which explains the accelerated wear on rubber components and brake hardware. A buyer must prioritize a thorough physical inspection of the structural integrity, specifically the front sub-frame and suspension component mounting areas. The record shows a transition from excessive corrosion that reduced structural strength in early 2024 to 'not considered excessive' levels in 2025 and 2026, suggesting the metal is thinning and nearing a critical failure point. The rear axle, noted as deformed since 2024, should be monitored for any further cracks or stress fractures. Mechanical systems also require close attention. The steering rack inner joints showed play in the latest test, and the front drive system has a history of deteriorated CV boots and noisy bearings. The brake system shows a recurring pattern of corroded pipes and binding calipers, which indicates a lack of proactive fluid and hardware maintenance. Given the persistent oil leak noted in every test for three years, the source of the leak must be identified to ensure it is not indicative of a larger engine or gearbox failure.