Citroen Relay (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 485 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,841

£237/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

2800cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £2,841/year to run. 14 points below average.

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Diesel2800cc23 years old485 tests93k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2800cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,841

Per month£237/mo

Per week£55/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Citroen brand average of 79%.

68% of MOT tests on Citroen Relays from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 485 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 93,245 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models326th of 429(bottom 25%)

Rank among Citroen models502nd of 589(bottom 15%)

vs average of all models-14%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-4%(72% avg)

vs Citroen average-11%(79% avg)

Mileage Analysis

93,245

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Citroen Relay had 93,245 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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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 2003 scores 68%. 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

2005 · 2460cc Diesel

£2,641/year

72%

+4%

Fiat Ducato

2005 · 2988cc Diesel

£2,641/year

77%

+9%

Ford Transit

2005 · 2402cc Diesel

£2,641/year

70%

+2%

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About the 2003 Citroen Relay

The 2003 Citroen Relay is a van. Our records list a 2800cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 485 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 25% of 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 93,245 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen Relay owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 Citroen Relay Fuel Costs

The 2800cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2003 Citroen Relay?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,841 (£237/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

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 2003 Citroen Relay

At 23 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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 93k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 2003 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(2003)	68%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,841
Volkswagen Transporter(2005)	72%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641-£200
Fiat Ducato(2005)	77%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641-£200
Ford Transit(2005)	70%	£1,676	£410	n/a	£2,641-£200

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 2003 Citroen Relay

Is the 2003 Citroen Relay reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 2003 Citroen Relays ended in a pass, from 485 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Citroen Relay cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,841 a year (£237 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Citroen Relay?

68% of 485 MOT tests on the 2003 Citroen Relay ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 326th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom 25%).

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 2003 Citroen Relay?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Citroen Relay is 93,245 miles, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.