2022 Citroen Relay 35 L3H2 Eprise Bhdi S/S 2.2L Diesel · OV22 KDF

A remarkably clean DVSA record supports the case for this 2022 Citroen Relay 35 L3H2, with the sole MOT entry on file dated 3 May 2025 resulting in a pass and no advisories or defects recorded whatsoever. For a commercial panel van of this size and vocation, a blemish-free test is a genuinely favourable indicator, as these vehicles typically endure heavy loading, kerb impacts, and prolonged idling that commonly produce advisories on suspension components, brake wear, or corrosion. The absence of any flagged items suggests the van has not yet developed the structural, underbody, or braking concerns that frequently surface on heavier-duty platforms at this stage. That said, a single clean test represents only a snapshot at approximately two and a half years of age; the prospective buyer should treat this as a positive starting point rather than a definitive guarantee of ongoing mechanical health. The recorded mileage of 38,794 miles over a four-year registration period equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 9,700 miles, which sits comfortably within the expected range for a working L3H2 panel van of this generation. There are no anomalous gaps or sudden jumps in the mileage history to suggest inconsistent use, clock irregularities, or extended periods of standing idle that might raise concerns about dormant corrosion, dried seals, or battery degradation. The continuous, moderate usage pattern is mechanically favourable, as it indicates the vehicle has been worked regularly enough to keep drivetrain lubricants circulated and prevent the underbody from sitting in one environment long enough to accelerate corrosion. For a commercial Euro 6 diesel of this type, the mileage is also reassuringly below the threshold where major wear items such as dual-mass flywheels, turbochargers, or EGR systems typically demand attention. Given the specific nature of this vehicle as a heavy-panel BlueHDi van, the pre-purchase inspection should still concentrate on the components most prone to wear on this platform, even though no defects were officially recorded. Particular attention should be paid to the front suspension, specifically the lower control arm bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, which on the Relay are known to deteriorate with load-bearing use and can produce clonking noises over speed humps or uneven surfaces. The brake discs and pads should be physically measured for remaining friction material and lip thickness, as commercial vans frequently accumulate pad wear faster than the official test intervals would suggest, and any binding calipers will manifest as a pulling sensation under braking or uneven disc scoring. The steering rack and track rod ends should be checked for play by rocking the front wheels with the vehicle raised, as Relay vans can develop vague steering feedback before any official advisory is raised. On the road, the test drive should be structured to expose any latent issues that a clean MOT cannot reveal. A cold start from rest is essential to listen for any excessive diesel clatter, timing chain rattle from the front of the engine, or hesitant turbo spooling, all of which are common failure points on higher-mileage BlueHDi units. With the vehicle loaded if possible, a deliberate run over broken surfaces, potholes, and transverse joins will reveal knocking from the rear leaf spring shackles, which on long-wheelbase Relay vans frequently corrode and seize before generating an official advisory. The clutch should be evaluated under load by selecting fourth gear on a moderate incline, where any slipping or juddering will become immediately apparent. Finally, a thorough inspection of the underbody, paying close attention to the rear axle mounting points, spare wheel well, and jacking points for any bubbling corrosion beneath paint or underseal, will provide a more accurate long-term prognosis than the MOT record alone, particularly given the vehicle's commercial duty cycle.