2017 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · PL17 MLE

This 2017 Citroen Relay presents a broadly reassuring roadworthiness picture across its recorded MOT history, with the documentation showing only pass and fail outcomes that carry no specific defect entries. The most recent test on 8 October 2025 returned a pass with no advisories or failures recorded, and this follows a similar clean pass on 16 May 2024. The earlier 2023 entries show a pass on 22 May alongside a fail on the same date with no defects listed, which is unusual and likely reflects a minor administrative or retest situation rather than a serious mechanical concern, particularly given the immediate clean pass recorded. Overall, the absence of any advisories, corrosion notes, or component-specific failures across all tests indicates a vehicle that has maintained its roadworthy condition effectively through to the present MOT certificate. With 141,803 miles recorded on a nine-year-old panel van, this Relay has been worked hard, accumulating approximately 15,756 miles per year on average. This is a notably high annual figure for any vehicle and is consistent with sustained commercial or fleet use where the van has been in regular service rather than occasional light use. Such high-mileage operation typically accelerates wear on drivetrain components, suspension bushes, brake assemblies, and clutch material. The mileage progression between tests suggests continuous use with no extended periods of standing, which is generally favourable for avoiding issues such as seized brakes, deteriorated rubber seals, or flat-spotted tyres, but it does mean that mechanical sympathy should not be assumed simply because the van has been parked for long stretches. For a prospective buyer, the clean advisory history is genuinely positive, but the high-mileage reality demands a thorough physical inspection focusing on the components most likely to have worn under heavy commercial use. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar links, control arm bushes, or top mount bearings that commonly deteriorate on high-mileage Relay vans. Check for any steering wander, pulling to one side under braking, or excessive play in the steering wheel, as these can indicate worn track rod ends or drop links. The clutch should be tested under load on a hill to ensure it does not slip or judder, and the gearbox should be checked for any crunching on selection, particularly when cold. Given the working history of this vehicle, a close inspection underneath is essential before purchase. Examine the front subframe, suspension arms, and brake pipes for any surface corrosion or structural rust, particularly around the chassis outriggers and jacking points, as commercial vans of this age and mileage are prone to underbody corrosion even when MOT defects are not flagged. Inspect all brake discs for lipping or scoring and check the brake pads for remaining material, as heavy use can lead to uneven wear. The rear leaf springs and their mounting bushes should be checked for cracking or sagging, which can affect ride height and load carrying. Finally, verify the timing belt or cambelt replacement interval based on the service history, as on a high-mileage diesel van of this vintage, a fresh cambelt with supporting documentation is critical to avoid catastrophic engine damage.