Citroen Relay (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 105 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc28 years old105 tests85k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Citroen brand average of 79%.

70% of MOT tests on Citroen Relays from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 105 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 85,327 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models254th of 325(bottom 23%)

Rank among Citroen models454th of 589(bottom 24%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-5%(75% avg)

vs Citroen average-9%(79% avg)

Mileage Analysis

85,327

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Citroen Relay had 85,327 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1998 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Transporter

1996 · 2490cc Petrol

£3,088/year

67%

-3%

Peugeot Boxer

1998 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

+1%

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About the 1998 Citroen Relay

The 1998 Citroen Relay is a van. Our records list a 1998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 105 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 23% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 85,327 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen Relay owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1998 Citroen Relay Fuel Costs

The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1998 Citroen Relay?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Citroen Relay Reliability Trend

Newer Citroen Relays pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 28 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 85k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1998 Citroen Relay stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Citroen Relay(1998)	70%	£1,631	£375	n/a	£2,561
Volkswagen Transporter(1996)	67%	£1,958	£375	n/a	£3,088+£527
Peugeot Boxer(1998)	71%	£1,631	£375	n/a	£2,561same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1998 Citroen Relay

Is the 1998 Citroen Relay reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 1998 Citroen Relays ended in a pass, from 105 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Citroen Relay cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Citroen Relay?

70% of 105 MOT tests on the 1998 Citroen Relay ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 254th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 23%).

Which year Citroen Relay has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 Citroen Relay has the highest MOT pass rate at 85% and the 2005 the lowest at 63%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Citroen Relay?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Citroen Relay is 85,327 miles, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.