2013 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · RF13 BXM

The most recent DVSA MOT test on this 2013 Citroen Relay was conducted on 25 April 2024, when the vehicle passed; however, the same date also shows a fail record issued prior to the pass, indicating the tester identified major defects on an initial inspection which were subsequently rectified and re-presented. The major items failed at that visit were an offside front side repeater not working in the wing mirror and an inoperative rear registration plate lamp, both of which are straightforward electrical compliance items rather than mechanical concerns. Of more mechanical relevance are the two advisories carried forward at that test, namely a nearside front tyre showing damage, cracking, or perishing, and a slight seepage from the front power steering pump. Looking back across the recorded history, a clear pattern of repeated concerns emerges. The offside front side repeater has failed on three consecutive tests, the front brake discs were flagged as worn in 2020, the front suspension arm pin or bush was noted as worn in 2020, a nearside front shock absorber was reported as light misting in 2019, and a front oil leak has been recorded at multiple tests. The overall maintenance trend appears stable but with a recurring theme of minor electrical and lighting non-compliance alongside a slow accumulation of wear advisories on suspension, braking, and sealing components typical of a high-mileage commercial vehicle. The recorded mileage of 243,065 miles over approximately 13 years equates to an annual average of around 18,700 miles, which is substantially higher than typical private car usage and is consistent with commercial or fleet operation. This level of use places considerably greater demand on the clutch, gearbox, drivetrain, suspension, braking system, and engine internals than would be expected from a lower-mileage example of the same age. The MOT history itself reflects this workload, with annual tests showing a steady progression of wear-related advisories rather than any major catastrophic failures. There is a notable gap between the 2020 and 2023 tests, and between the 2019 and 2020 tests, which is consistent with a working commercial vehicle accumulating significant mileage between statutory test dates. Buyers should be aware that high annual mileage of this magnitude accelerates the depletion of service items and brings major mechanical overhauls such as clutch, turbo, dual-mass flywheel, and suspension refreshment closer at hand than the odometer reading alone might suggest. Given the recurring advisories relating to front suspension components and the brake system flagged in 2020, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough physical inspection and test drive focusing on these areas. The 2020 advisory concerning front suspension arm pin or bush wear warrants close attention; on a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during full lock manoeuvres, as worn bushes typically manifest as imprecise steering and audible impacts. The front shock absorber light misting noted in 2019 should also be re-evaluated, particularly by checking for any further oil residue on the body of the damper, excessive nose-dive under braking, and continued bouncing after compression. The brake disc wear advisories from 2020 mean the discs may now be at or near minimum thickness, so a thorough inspection should include a check for brake shudder under heavy application, any grinding or scraping noises, and verification of pad and disc condition with a workshop measurement. The persistent power steering pump seepage noted at the latest test should be monitored by checking the fluid reservoir level, listening for any whining or groaning from the pump on full lock, and inspecting the area around the pump and hoses for fresh seepage or contamination of the timing belt if accessible. Beyond the recorded advisories, the high mileage and commercial use profile of this Relay demand particular attention to age- and use-related items. The repeated nearside front and rear tyre perishing advisories across multiple tests suggest that the tyres fitted to this vehicle may be suffering from age-related sidewall degradation regardless of tread depth, and any prospective purchase should include a close visual inspection of all four tyres, including the spare, for cracking, bulging, or perishing, and confirmation of manufacturing date codes. The front oil leak advisory carried from 2019 and 2020 should be re-examined, as oil leaks on the HDi diesel commonly originate from the rocker cover gasket, sump, or front crankshaft seal, and any accumulation of oil on the engine or undertray warrants a compression test and inspection for cam belt contamination if the belt is due. Given the high commercial mileage, the timing belt and auxiliary drive belt service history should be verified with documentary evidence, as replacement intervals on these engines are critical and overdue belts risk catastrophic failure. The 12V battery condition should be checked as commercial vehicles often suffer from standing periods between shifts, and a load test will confirm its state of health. Brake fluid, coolant, and gearbox oil should be considered time-serviced rather than mileage-serviced, with a fluid exchange recommended if servicing records cannot confirm recent attention. Finally, the vehicle should be examined underneath for structural corrosion, particularly around the rear axle, spring hangers, and load floor, as commercial Relays of this era are known to suffer from corrosion in these areas, and a thorough inspection on a ramp is strongly advised before purchase.