2005 Citroen Relay 2.0L Diesel · SA05 ACU

Recurring tyre wear and corrosion issues define the recent mechanical profile of this Citroen Relay, with the latest MOT pass on 16 May 2026 following a failure less than a month prior. The testing history shows a consistent pattern of advisory items across multiple tests, specifically regarding tyre condition and brake pipe integrity. While the vehicle successfully cleared its most recent inspection, the frequency of advisories for worn edges on front tyres and cracking or perishing on the rear tyres suggests a trend of consumable degradation that has been noted repeatedly since at least February 2026. The recorded mileage of 72,316 miles for a 21-year-old vehicle represents a low annual average of approximately 3,444 miles. This usage pattern indicates the vehicle has been driven significantly less than the typical commercial van of this age. While low mileage can reduce wear on high-friction drivetrain components, the MOT record highlights potential consequences of infrequent use, such as the cracking and perishing of tyre sidewalls and the presence of corrosion on brake pipes and strut mounting towers. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking system and tyre condition during a physical inspection. The MOT history specifically flags the nearside front brake pipe as corroded and covered in grease or other material, following a previous advisory for the offside front brake pipe in February 2026. On a test drive, the braking feel should be monitored for any sponginess or inconsistent pressure, which could indicate compromised hydraulic integrity. Furthermore, the repeated advisories for tyres worn on the edges suggest possible alignment issues or suspension geometry problems; look for any uneven steering pull or vibrations through the steering wheel at various speeds. Structural and suspension components require careful scrutiny, particularly given the 2025 advisory regarding corrosion on the offside front strut mounting tower. While this was not classified as excessive at the time, the presence of corrosion in mounting areas is a factor to monitor. During the test drive, listen for any knocking, clunking, or rhythmic thudding when traversing uneven surfaces or bumps, as these symptoms can indicate wear in the suspension bushes or mounting points. The condition of all four tyres should be verified against the recent advisories to ensure the current set meets legal standards and does not exhibit further sidewall degradation.