2017 Citroen Relay 2.0L Diesel · RY17 MFN

The most recent DVSA examination on 6 July 2026 resulted in an overall PASS, though it should be noted that this pass was achieved immediately following a same-day FAIL on identical items, specifically both front windscreen wipers failing to clear the screen effectively, a standard Prescribed Reason outcome under Section 3.4 (b) (ii). The fact that the vehicle passed on the same date indicates the wiper defects were rectified at the test station or immediately prior to re-presentation. Beyond those rectification items, the test recorded four advisory notices relating to nearside front and both rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit with feathering and uneven wear patterns, and a slightly damaged power steering pipe securing bracket on the rear of the engine. Given that only the current test is recorded in the supplied history, it is not possible to definitively establish a multi-year maintenance trend; however, the simultaneous failure and re-pass on the same day suggests either an isolated component degradation or a vehicle that was perhaps not fully prepared for its initial presentation. The advisory items, while not failures, point to components approaching the threshold of mandatory replacement and warrant close inspection. With a recorded mileage of 42,778 miles across approximately nine years, this Citroen Relay has covered an average of around 4,750 miles per annum, which is notably low for a commercial vehicle of this type. Such low annual mileage is characteristic of a van that has either experienced extended periods of standing, been used sporadically for light duties, or potentially operated predominantly on short local journeys. While low recorded mileage can reduce wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and transmission, it introduces a distinct set of age-related and standing-related concerns. Extended periods of inactivity are particularly detrimental to diesel commercial vehicles, as they can promote exhaust system internal corrosion, DPF (diesel particulate filter) saturation from short running cycles that prevent passive regeneration, moisture accumulation in the engine oil leading to bore glazing concerns, and degradation of fluid systems that rely on regular thermal cycling to remain serviceable. Given the age and the advisory items recorded, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the tyres, noting that the advisories indicate three tyres are worn close to the legal limit with uneven and edge wear patterns. Uneven or feathering wear, as noted on the nearside front, is frequently symptomatic of wear in suspension components such as track rod ends, wishbone bushes, or suspension arm joints, and any looseness or play in the steering should be evaluated on a test drive by checking for wandering, vibration through the steering wheel, or knocking noises when traversing uneven surfaces. All four tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking or perishing, which is a common age-related issue on vehicles that have stood for prolonged durations, regardless of tread depth. The power steering pipe bracket advisory on the rear of the engine should be examined to ensure the pipework itself has not chafed against surrounding components, which could lead to a hydraulic fluid leak; any evidence of dampness around the pipe or a whining noise during low-speed steering manoeuvres would warrant further investigation. Further to the advisory-driven inspections, several age-and-use-related items merit careful evaluation prior to purchase. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer from chronic undercharging and premature battery failure, and the charging system should be confirmed as operating within specification. Brake calipers, particularly on a vehicle that may have stood for extended periods, are susceptible to seizing due to corrosion on the sliding pins, which can manifest as pulling to one side under braking or a dragging sensation after release; brake discs should likewise be inspected for severe corrosion lips or pitting, which can cause brake shudder or juddering on application. Fluid services, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, should be verified as within their replacement intervals, with brake fluid being particularly susceptible to moisture absorption over a nine-year period regardless of mileage. Finally, given the propensity for diesel vans of this age to suffer from timing belt degradation if not replaced at the manufacturer-specified interval, documentary evidence of the timing belt and water pump replacement should be obtained, as failure of these components on a 2.2 or 3.0 Multijet engine can result in catastrophic engine damage.