CITROEN RELAY (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,173 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,195
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2198cc Diesel
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2198cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 17 years old, 70% of CITROEN RELAYs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,173 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 126,729 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
126,729
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 CITROEN RELAY has 126,729 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2009 sits between the two at 70%.
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 2009 CITROEN RELAY
The 2009 CITROEN RELAY is a family car with a 2198cc diesel engine. 1,173 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 83% of 2009 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 126,729 miles at 17 years old, CITROEN RELAY owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 CITROEN RELAY Fuel Costs
The 2198cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 2009 CITROEN RELAY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 CITROEN RELAY
At 17 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 2009 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.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 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
Watch outWith an average of 127k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 2009 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(2009) | 70% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2195 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2011) | 78% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£468 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010) | 74% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£468 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2011) | 81% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£618 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2007) | 72% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
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
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