2008 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · VO08 XVM

The 2008 Citroen Relay passed its most recent MOT in August 2025 at 171,001 miles, yet the maintenance trend points toward worsening structural corrosion and deferred mechanical repairs. The tester flagged a corroded offside front coil spring and a severely deteriorated nearside front inner constant velocity boot during this latest test. Just one month prior, the vehicle failed the same test due to excessively corroded nearside and offside rear suspension mounting prescribed areas, which significantly reduced structural strength. This progression from advisory-level outer sill corrosion in 2024 to critical structural corrosion in 2025 indicates a rapid decline in underbody integrity. A recurring front oil leak and frayed offside seat belt webbing persist across multiple years, suggesting basic upkeep has been repeatedly neglected. Covering roughly 9,500 miles per year, the 171,001-mile record is entirely typical for an 18-year-old commercial van. The mileage accumulation shows consistent use rather than prolonged periods of inactivity. Between July 2023 at 161,918 miles and July 2024 at 166,106 miles, the van covered approximately 4,188 miles. The subsequent jump to 171,001 miles by July 2025 represents a sharper increase of nearly 5,000 miles in a single year. This recent uptick in usage has coincided with the emergence of critical structural defects, meaning the vehicle endured heavier use while its mounting points were actively degrading. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity, focusing on the inner and outer sills where prescribed area corrosion has repeatedly failed the MOT. The rear suspension mounting points require close scrutiny, as the tester documented excessive corrosion that fundamentally compromised structural strength in July 2025. The offside front coil spring remains an active advisory, posing a risk of sudden fracture under load. Suspension components also demand verification, given the recurring wear in the nearside front lower suspension arm pins and bushes. The constant velocity boot deterioration and persistent oil leak point to unresolved drivetrain issues that will require immediate attention to prevent joint failure. Tyre wear has consistently appeared as an advisory, with both front tyres wearing close to the legal limit and feathering on the edges, indicating potential alignment issues or neglected rotation. The inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp remains a serious concern, as it prevents the driver from detecting emission system faults. Buyers should test the seat belt webbing thoroughly, as the fraying compromises the restraint system, and verify the headlamp aim, which was previously flagged as obviously incorrect.