2002 Citroen Relay 2.8L Diesel · SC51 PLN

The most recent DVSA examination on 30 July 2026 returned a pass, but it should be interpreted with caution because the prior test on 24 June 2026 resulted in a failure with four major defects, and the 2025 cycle also contained a failure with five majors. Although the vehicle has achieved a current pass, the underlying trend across the last three MOT cycles is one of declining structural and chassis condition rather than stable maintenance. The 2026 failure items included inoperative position lamps and side repeaters alongside excessive corrosion at front suspension mounting prescribed areas including the inner wheel arch and jacking points, which are areas highly susceptible to long-term surface oxidation. With advisories now recorded for steering rack inner joint play on both front sides and slight offside rear wheel bearing play, the front end wear pattern is becoming established and progressive rather than isolated. At 64,495 miles over an approximate 24-year service life, the annual recorded usage is around 2,687 miles, which is exceptionally low and strongly indicates extended periods of standing or only intermittent use. There is a notable gap in the MOT history between the 2010 entries and the 2024 test, with no recorded DVSA tests for roughly fourteen years, which makes it difficult to verify how the vehicle has been maintained during that intervening period. Such low cumulative mileage with long idle periods typically accelerates corrosion-related degradation, dried and perished rubber components, brake disc surface rust, and sticking caliper slide pins, while mechanical wearing parts such as timing belts, fluids, and flexible hoses deteriorate on a calendar basis regardless of mileage. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the structural advisories flagged in 2026, as corrosion of jacking points and inner sills on a load-bearing commercial platform can spread unseen behind body trims and within box sections. On the road, listen for clonks or looseness over uneven surfaces suggesting the worn inner track rod joints, and feel for any vagueness or wandering from the front axle. Carry out a slow-speed lock-to-lock steering check for knocking or ratcheting, and inspect the front shock absorbers for fluid seepage or staining, as the nearside unit previously showed a serious fluid leak. With the offside rear parking brake having been recorded as inoperative, confirm on a rolling incline that the handbrake holds the vehicle firmly on both sides and that no cable is seized from standing. Inspect the rear brake pipes and flexible hoses carefully for corrosion and perishing, particularly where they pass over the axle and chassis, and verify the offside front and nearside front brake hoses are correctly routed and clipped, as this was previously noted as non-compliant on the camper conversion. Given the vehicle's age and low recorded mileage, a thorough physical inspection is essential beyond the MOT paperwork. Check all tyres, including any spare, for age-related sidewall perishing and cracking even if tread remains, because rubber deteriorates from around five years onwards and standing vehicles develop flat-spots. Inspect the 12V battery for hold-down security and age stamp, as a 24-year-old electrical system will almost certainly require a recent battery to start reliably. Examine brake discs and pads for severe pitting corrosion from standing, and verify the calipers release fully by confirming the wheels rotate freely by hand when jacked. Open the bonnet and look for perished coolant and brake hoses, sample the coolant for clarity, and check for any staining on the power steering or engine oil indicating leaks. Finally, verify that the conversion to a camper with luton body has been professionally executed, with proper gas and electrical certification, and confirm the service book contains evidence of calendar-based replacement of brake fluid, coolant, and the timing belt, as these are time-sensitive items on a vehicle of this age.