2006 Citroen Relay 2.8L Diesel · NJ56 WTW

The Citroën Relay’s most recent MOT test on 28 April 2025 at 173,200 miles passed without any defects, confirming the vehicle remains roadworthy under current UK standards. The absence of advisories or failures in the last three tests—including the January 2024 and January 2023 passes—suggests a stable maintenance history, though the duplicate entry for January 2023 (a pass followed by a fail at identical mileage) is anomalous and may indicate a clerical error or a brief oversight in scheduling. No recurring faults were recorded, which is unusual for a vehicle of this age and mileage, as suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake components typically show wear by 150,000 miles. The lack of advisories also implies no deferred or unresolved issues were carried forward, though this does not preclude hidden wear. The recorded mileage progression of roughly 8,660 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the gap between the October 2021 test (146,315 miles) and the January 2023 tests (159,912 miles) spans nearly two years, suggesting either extended periods of non-use or inconsistent MOT scheduling. The January 2023 fail at identical mileage—likely a data duplication—does not reflect actual vehicle performance but warrants verification of the vehicle’s history beyond the MOT record. No rapid mileage spikes are evident, which reduces the likelihood of severe wear on high-stress components like the drivetrain or exhaust system. Given the lack of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension integrity, particularly the rear coil springs and bushes, as these are common failure points in Relays of this age. The front and rear brake calipers and discs should be checked for uneven wear or binding, especially if the vehicle has experienced prolonged storage. Structural corrosion, particularly around the sills, wheel arches, and subframe, is another critical area to assess, as it often goes unnoticed until it compromises structural integrity. The absence of advisories does not guarantee these components are intact, so visual and functional testing is essential. Finally, the battery, alternator, and electrical connections should be inspected, as these are frequently overlooked but can cause intermittent failures.