2014 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · MM63 DFN

The most recent MOT test on this 2014 Citroen Relay took place on 18 June 2026 and resulted in a pass, although three advisories were noted. A subsequent look at the recent DVSA history reveals a mixed and rather inconsistent maintenance pattern. In 2025 the vehicle failed on multiple major lighting defects and a serious oil leak, and in 2024 it failed on wiper, lighting, headlamp aim, and parking brake efficiency before passing on the re-test. The 2026 test, while ultimately a pass, still flags concerns regarding an inner tyre, underside corrosion, and a corroded or grease-covered brake pipe running front to rear. Taken together, the trend over the past four years shows intermittent failures followed by re-test passes, which suggests that the vehicle is being maintained on an as-needed basis rather than proactively, and that several underlying issues have not been conclusively resolved. With 109,045 miles recorded over approximately twelve years, this Relay averages around 9,000 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a commercial vehicle of this age. The mileage progression across the MOT records appears steady and consistent, indicating regular use rather than long periods of standing. However, even at a moderate commercial mileage, a twelve-year-old van of this type will have accumulated substantial wear on mechanical components, particularly suspension, braking, clutch, and drivetrain items. The mileage itself is not a red flag, but combined with the pattern of advisories relating to brake components, tyres, and underside corrosion, it suggests a working vehicle that has seen genuine service and should be inspected accordingly. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the advisory items and the recurring failure themes. The flagged inner offside front tyre should be inspected for uneven shoulder wear, which on a heavy van often points to tracking misalignment, worn front suspension bushes, or a failing ball joint; a test drive over uneven surfaces should be used to listen for clonking or knocking from the front end. Given the major failure on front lower suspension arm pin or bush wear recorded in 2023, the bushes should be physically inspected for splitting or movement, ideally by rocking the wheels manually with the vehicle lifted. The brake pipe advisory covering the front to rear line is particularly significant, as corrosion beneath grease or underseal can mask serious pipe degradation; any evidence of pitting, staining of the brake fluid, or a spongy pedal on test should prompt a thorough brake system examination. The persistent oil leak recorded as a major failure in both 2025 and 2026 indicates an unresolved engine sealing issue, likely from the cam cover, sump, or front crankshaft seal, and buyers should inspect the underside for fresh oil residue and check the oil level and condition on the dipstick. Given the vehicle's age and commercial use history, additional checks beyond the MOT record are advisable. The underside corrosion advisory warrants a careful examination of structural sills, chassis rails, and load floor integrity, paying particular attention to any bubbling paint, surface rust, or evidence of previous welding. Brake discs, particularly at the rear where worn and pitted discs were previously noted, may have developed lipping or corrosion from age and use, and binding calipers are a common issue on vans that have seen heavy braking cycles, so a test drive from cold should confirm smooth release without dragging or pulling. The 2022 advisory on rear brake pads wearing thin suggests pad replacement has likely been carried out, but disc condition should still be verified. Fluid condition is also critical at this age, with brake fluid being hygroscopic and engine oil subject to degradation from stop-start commercial use, so service records confirming timely replacement should be requested. Finally, the battery, cooling system, and timing belt interval should be checked, as a twelve-year-old van operating in commercial service will typically be due for major servicing items including the cam belt and water pump, regardless of what the MOT alone reveals.