2008 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · NH08 SPU

A 2008 Citroen Relay at this age and mileage presents a mixed mechanical picture, with the official MOT record showing two failures within the last four years alongside a series of advisories that point toward ongoing wear rather than isolated incidents. The most recent test on 17 October 2025 returned a pass, but with advisories for a slightly noisy offside front wheel bearing and light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber, both of which are consistent with a heavy commercial vehicle approaching the end of its second decade of service. The 2024 test cycle is particularly telling: the vehicle failed on 17 October 2024 due to an insufficient windscreen washer supply and an intermittent ABS warning lamp, before passing the following day with advisories for two oil leaks and deteriorated rear bump stops. Earlier failures in 2023 and 2022 flagged serious suspension wear, including a leaking front shock absorber and worn rear suspension arm bushes on both sides, as well as exhaust emissions exceeding manufacturer limits and headlamp levelling defects. Taken together, the record reflects a working vehicle that has accumulated genuine wear on its suspension, braking, and exhaust systems, with no extended clean stretch since the 2021 pass with no defects recorded. Recorded mileage of 124,870 miles over approximately eighteen years equates to a roughly typical annual accumulation of around 6,900 miles, which is broadly average for a vehicle of this type and age. The MOT tests are consistently annual and consecutive from 2021 onwards, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than laid up for extended periods, which generally means components have been exercised rather than allowed to seize or deteriorate through stagnation. The mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than showing dramatic spikes or gaps, so there is no immediate cause for concern from the recorded figures alone. For a commercial-derived platform such as the Relay, this level of use will have placed repeated load on suspension bushes, wheel bearings, brake components, and the front end generally, all of which aligns with the advisories and failures recorded over the past four years. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing items to scrutinise are the front suspension and braking systems, given the recurring advisories for shock absorber oil misting, suspension arm bushes, and wheel bearing noise. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonks or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps and potholes, as worn rear suspension arm bushes can allow excessive movement and produce a distinct rattle. Pay particular attention to steering response and any wandering or vagueness, which could indicate further bush deterioration beyond what was previously recorded. The offside front wheel bearing advisory from the 2025 test is worth monitoring closely; a slight noise under load that changes with steering angle, or any roughness felt through the steering wheel, would suggest the bearing is approaching replacement. The braking system also warrants a thorough check, given the recorded ABS warning lamp fault in 2024. On a test drive, verify that the ABS warning lamp extinguishes promptly on ignition and does not flicker or reappear while driving, and feel for any pulsing through the brake pedal under firm braking, which could indicate a wheel speed sensor issue. Inspect the brake pipes and flexible hoses for corrosion or swelling, as these are common failure points on older commercial vehicles. The exhaust system should be examined for leaks, particularly around the front flexi pipe noted in 2023 and the corroded tail pipe from 2022, and a cold-start smoke check may reveal underlying emissions issues. Finally, given the oil leak advisories from 2024, inspect the underbonnet and underside for fresh oil residue and check the coolant and fluid levels before any test drive, as persistent leaks can indicate ageing seals that may soon require attention.