2002 Citroen Relay 1000 TD HDI SWB Heavy oil · SC02 ABF

The most recent DVSA examination on 5 November 2025 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, following an equally clean pass on 2 November 2024. The single failure recorded in September 2024 unfortunately carries no defect details on the official record, which limits any retrospective mechanical analysis, but the fact that the vehicle subsequently returned a clean pass within two months suggests the issues were rectified promptly and have not recurred. The earlier 2023 and 2022 tests were also clean passes, though the 2022 examination did carry advisories relating to corrosion that warrant further attention. Overall, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable in recent years, with no recurring flagged items emerging in successive tests, indicating the vehicle has been kept in reasonable mechanical order through its MOT obligations. With 119,392 miles recorded over 24 years, this Relay shows an average annual mileage of around 4,975 miles, which is notably low for a commercial vehicle of this type and age. Such low usage over a prolonged period carries its own mechanical implications distinct from high-mileage wear. Lightly used commercial vehicles frequently suffer from standing-related deterioration rather than wear-out failures, including binding brake calipers, corroded brake discs, perished flexible hoses, and aged suspension bushes and coil springs that become brittle and prone to cracking. Any extended periods of inactivity between MoT tests should be discussed with the seller, and evidence of regular running, warm operation, and timely servicing will be important in establishing that ancillary components have not degraded through disuse. Given the advisory notes from 2022 regarding both rear wheel arches showing corrosion with some areas under sealed repairs, prospective buyers should undertake a thorough physical inspection of the structural bodywork, particularly the rear chassis rails, load floor, and wheel arch outriggers, as these are known weakness points on the Relay platform where corrosion can progress unseen behind underseal or filler. On a test drive, listen carefully for suspension clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn bushes, top mounts, or anti-roll bar linkages, and pay attention to any brake shudder, pulling, or uneven pedal feel that might indicate corroded or warped front discs from prolonged standing. The 2.2 HDi engine should be observed from cold start for excessive smoke, timing belt integrity should be verified by service history, and any evidence of EGR or turbocharger issues common to this unit should be investigated. Beyond the items flagged on the MOT record, several age-related checks are essential for a vehicle of this vintage. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and all tyres including the spare should be checked for DOT date codes. The 12V battery is almost certainly due for replacement given the vehicle's age, and its resting voltage and terminal condition should be tested. Brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid all degrade with time and should have documented replacement irrespective of mileage, with a fresh brake fluid change particularly important if the vehicle has stood for any length of time due to its hygroscopic nature. Finally, verify the service book stamps and cross-reference the cambelt replacement interval for the 2.2 HDi engine, which is critical to verify before purchase.