2014 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · YA14 XFT

The most recent DVSA test on 25 June 2025 resulted in a failure, principally for missing front side repeaters, an off‑side front position lamp that was not operational and minor windscreen and mirror damage. Over the past three years the vehicle has oscillated between passes with multiple advisories and outright failures, with recurring issues such as oil leakage, worn lower suspension arm bushes and lighting faults. This pattern indicates a deteriorating maintenance regime rather than a stabilising one, and the presence of several major defects in the latest test suggests that corrective work has either not been undertaken or has not resolved underlying problems. At 188 307 miles the 2014 Citroën Relay averages roughly 15 700 miles per annum, well above the typical UK fleet average of around 10 000 miles. Such a high annual utilisation accelerates wear on engine and transmission components, exhaust mounts, suspension bushings and brake wear items. The mileage also implies that consumables such as clutch plates, timing belt (if fitted) and drive‑shaft universal joints are likely approaching the end of their service lives, and that any periods of prolonged inactivity would have compounded corrosion and fluid degradation. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the lighting system: verify that both side repeaters, the front position lamp and the registration‑plate lamps illuminate correctly on both dipped and main beams, and inspect the wiring harnesses for corrosion or damaged connectors that may have caused the repeated failures. The lower front suspension arm pins and bushes have been flagged as worn on several occasions; a firm push on each wheel corner while the vehicle is stationary should reveal any excessive play, and a test‑drive should be listened to for clunking over bumps or a vague looseness in the steering. The recurring oil leak, noted as an advisory in three consecutive years, warrants a thorough visual inspection of the valve‑cover gasket, oil pan gasket and any ancillary seals; any fresh oil on the under‑tray or a persistent oil stain on the engine bay is a sign that the leak is active and may soon become excessive, potentially affecting oil level and engine lubrication. The brake pedal anti‑slip surface was recorded as worn smooth, so the pedal should be felt for a firm, non‑slipping grip and the braking performance checked for any pedal pulsation or reduced bite that could indicate worn pads or a binding caliper. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, the tyre condition must be reassessed – the 2022 advisory highlighted front tyres close to the legal tread limit and rear tyres showing cracking, which is typical of perishing rubber after many years regardless of tread depth. Examine the sidewalls for dry rot, bulges or foreign object damage and consider replacing the set if any signs of ageing are present. The battery, now twelve years old, should be load‑tested and its terminals inspected for corrosion; a weak charge can exacerbate starting issues, especially in a high‑mileage diesel‑engine model. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil, coolant and brake‑fluid changes at the manufacturer’s intervals, and inspect the under‑carriage for rust on the chassis rails, suspension mounts and exhaust system, as prolonged exposure to moisture combined with high mileage often leads to structural corrosion that can compromise long‑term roadworthiness. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection covering these points will reveal whether the vehicle’s current condition justifies its price or if remedial work will be required before it can be considered a reliable daily driver.