CITROEN RELAY (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 157 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,057
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1905cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £2057/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1905cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 25 years old, 69% of CITROEN RELAYs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 157 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 82,776 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
82,776
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 CITROEN RELAY has 82,776 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 85% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 63%. The 2001 sits between the two at 69%.
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
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About the 2001 CITROEN RELAY
The 2001 CITROEN RELAY is a family car with a 1905cc diesel engine. 157 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 82,776 miles at 25 years old, 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.
2001 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 2001 CITROEN RELAY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,057 (£171/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% 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 2001 CITROEN RELAY
At 25 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
Based on the 2001 CITROEN RELAY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskWith an average of 83k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2001 CITROEN RELAY stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN RELAY(2001) | 69% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £2057 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2003) | 73% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2003) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| SKODA FABIA(2003) | 69% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1795-£262 |
| RENAULT TRAFIC(2002) | 94% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1427-£630 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Citroen Models
Explore other Citroen cars or similar models in the same category.
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2003 · 1700cc Diesel
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