CITROEN RELAY (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 44 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,995
£166/month
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2179cc Diesel
Check Carefully
77% pass rate, £1995/year to run. 5 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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 close to the national average of 82%.
At 5 years old, 77% of CITROEN RELAYs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 44 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 32,620 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
32,620
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 CITROEN RELAY has 32,620 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-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 2021 sits between the two at 77%.
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 2021 CITROEN RELAY
The 2021 CITROEN RELAY is a family car with a 2179cc diesel engine. 44 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 99% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 32,620 miles at 5 years old, CITROEN RELAY owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 CITROEN RELAY Fuel Costs
The 2179cc 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 2021 CITROEN RELAY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,995 (£166/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% 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 2021 CITROEN RELAY
At 5 years old, the CITROEN RELAY offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 85%. Note: with only 44 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 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
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Low riskExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Medium riskLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 2021 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(2021) | 77% | £1245 | £195 | Grp 25-38 | £1995 |
| FORD KUGA(2019) | 91% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£513 |
| FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM(2019) | 87% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632-£363 |
| BMW 118(2020) | 93% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£513 |
| VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC(2019) | 94% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482-£513 |
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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FORD KUGA
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