CITROEN RELAY (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 70 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Total Tests (2024)
70
Avg Mileage
103,965 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,927
Is the 1996 CITROEN RELAY reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 28 years old, 66% of CITROEN RELAYs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 70 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,965 miles.
How does the 1996 CITROEN RELAY compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 CITROEN RELAY has 103,965 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a CITROEN RELAY?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1996 sits between the two at 66%.
How much does a 1996 CITROEN RELAY cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
CITROEN RELAY by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 77% | 44 | 32,620 mi |
| 2020 | 79% | 105 | 33,882 mi |
| 2019 | 85% | 940 | 54,174 mi |
| 2018 | 85% | 1,249 | 64,877 mi |
| 2017 | 80% | 2,295 | 84,158 mi |
| 2016 | 80% | 2,557 | 92,211 mi |
| 2015 | 78% | 2,563 | 101,990 mi |
| 2014 | 76% | 2,030 | 108,058 mi |
| 2013 | 75% | 1,461 | 106,366 mi |
| 2012 | 76% | 1,354 | 114,152 mi |
| 2011 | 73% | 1,326 | 123,145 mi |
| 2010 | 73% | 1,428 | 123,794 mi |
| 2009 | 70% | 1,173 | 126,729 mi |
| 2008 | 71% | 1,683 | 126,474 mi |
| 2007 | 68% | 1,791 | 125,795 mi |
| 2006 | 68% | 1,341 | 115,566 mi |
| 2005 | 63% | 808 | 106,101 mi |
| 2004 | 66% | 510 | 93,206 mi |
| 2003 | 68% | 485 | 93,245 mi |
| 2002 | 65% | 327 | 97,426 mi |
| 2001 | 69% | 157 | 82,776 mi |
| 2000 | 64% | 143 | 102,601 mi |
| 1999 | 64% | 204 | 92,161 mi |
| 1998 | 70% | 105 | 85,327 mi |
| 1997 | 73% | 48 | 95,801 mi |
| 1996 | 66% | 70 | 103,965 mi |
| 1995 | 70% | 84 | 93,461 mi |
| 1993 | 60% | 43 | 139,864 mi |
Checking a specific CITROEN RELAY?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 CITROEN RELAY
The 1996 CITROEN RELAY is a family car with a 1905cc diesel engine. 70 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 87% of 1996 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 103,965 miles at 28 years old, CITROEN RELAY owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1996 CITROEN RELAY Fuel Costs
The 1905cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 1996 CITROEN RELAY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
CITROEN RELAY Reliability Trend
Newer CITROEN RELAYs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 CITROEN RELAY
At 28 years old, the CITROEN RELAY is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 85%. Note: with only 70 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1996 CITROEN RELAY
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1995) 69% pass rate (+3%) from 5,077 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1998) 65% pass rate (-1%) from 4,382 tests
- FIAT DUCATO (1998) 71% pass rate (+5%) from 3,841 tests
- MERCEDES C (1997) 81% pass rate (+15%) from 2,336 tests