Citroen

Citroen Relay (1994)

321 real MOT outcomes analysed • 61.5% first-time pass rate

1994 Citroen Relay

CarHunch analysed 321 real MOT records for the 1994 Citroen Relay. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 321 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 1994 Citroen Relay has a below-average first-time pass rate (61.5% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
61.5%
UK average ~80%
Below average
Dangerous (ever)
26.5%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2.31
Over 5.7 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
119k
Middle half: 97k–149k
For context
⚠️ Below average. More vehicles in this cohort fail their first MOT than typical. Scrutinise this vehicle's history — look for recurring issues, not just the latest result.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 7 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 321 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

What tends to go wrong

Across 321 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Brake wear 38.2%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements · Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded · Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Suspension & steering 24.6%
Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play · Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play · Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Other issues 23%
Oil leak · Horn not working
Wipers & washers 16.2%
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1994.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 321 Citroen Relay cars.

UK

Before you buy a 1994 Citroen Relay

Based on MOT data from 321 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 26.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (99%) 319 61.3% 2.3

Colour Breakdown

Based on 107,229 Citroen Relay vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 76.1%
81,612
Silver 7.9%
8,519
Blue 6.1%
6,565
Red 3.7%
3,959
Grey 2.1%
2,300
Black 1.8%
1,918
Yellow 1.3%
1,348
Green 0.5%
536
Gold 0.2%
180
Orange 0.1%
116
Beige 0.1%
89
Purple 0.1%
87

Mileage Distribution

Most 1994 Citroen Relay vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

119,104
typical
96,619
low mileage
149,459
high mileage

Half of all 1994 Citroen Relay vehicles fall between 96,619 and 149,459 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 96,619 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
96,619–149,459 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1994 Citroen Relays sit.
Over 201,769 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

1994 Citroen Relay — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 44% of 1994 Citroen Relays are still active.

Numbers are declining — 11 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (44% of peak).

25 11 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

5.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.31
Avg failures per vehicle
7
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Citroen Relay: All Relay years → Which year to buy? →
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

Or browse all models: Citroen →

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Buyer beware — pass it on