Used buying guide · Large van · panel van conversions and motorhomes
The Relay is the Citroen version of the Ducato and Boxer and turns up under many UK motorhomes and van conversions. Check it with the same care.
This guide covers the Citroen Relay problems that come up most often on used vans and campervans, what each one looks like on a viewing and what to ask the seller. Not every van will have them. But knowing where to look stops you paying for someone else’s repair bill.
Engines you’ll find: 2.2 HDi (2006-2016), 2.0 and 2.2 BlueHDi (2016 on), 2.8 HDi on older vans
The Relay shares its body and chassis with the Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer. Read the Ducato guide too.
What goes wrong on a used Citroen Relay
1. AdBlue system faults on 2016-on vans
BlueHDi Relays use AdBlue, and failures of the pump or tank heater are common. Check for any AdBlue warning or countdown.
2. Injector issues on the 2.2 HDi
Leaking injector seals and failing injectors cause smoke, rough running and hard starting. Look at the top of the engine and ask about repairs.
3. Gearbox bearing noise
Listen for whine in the higher gears and check the gear change is clean. Heavy motorhome bodies are hard on the gearbox.
4. Water ingress in the cab
Leaks at the windscreen and scuttle can soak the footwells and cause electrical faults. Lift the mats and check for damp.
5. Tired suspension and brakes
Older vans often need shock absorbers, bearings and brake work. Listen for knocks and check for pulling under braking.
Our tip: Ask for the habitation service history as well as the vehicle service history. On a motorhome both matter.
These are problems commonly reported by owners, garages and the motoring press. They are not a diagnosis of any particular van. A van with a full service history and the right repairs already done can be a very good buy.
Checking the conversion as well as the van
On a campervan or motorhome, the living area can cost as much to put right as the engine. However good the base vehicle is, check these before you buy:
- Damp readings around windows, rooflights, lockers and the floor. Damp is the most expensive hidden problem in a camper.
- Gas appliances light and work, and the regulator hose is in date.
- Leisure battery, 12V system and mains hook-up all work and look professionally installed.
- Water pump, taps and tanks do not leak.
- Any added seats have proper fixings and belts, and the V5C body type matches the conversion for insurance.
- A pop-top or high-top roof does not leak, and the mechanism works.
Before you pay for a used Citroen Relay
- Check the history. Run the free MOT history check online and look for mileage gaps and repeat advisories. Pay for a full history check for finance, theft and write-off markers.
- Match the paperwork. The seller’s ID, the V5C and the VIN on the van should all match. Be wary of a seller who is selling for someone else.
- See it running from cold. Ask the seller not to start it before you arrive. Many faults show up in the first few minutes.
- Never send a deposit unseen. Pay only at handover, by bank transfer, once you have the keys and the V5C.
Can’t get there to see it? We’ll check it for you
SafeBuy views campervans and motorhomes for buyers across the UK. We check the seller and paperwork against the V5C, run a history and finance check, walk you round the Citroen Relay on a live video call and send you a photo report. Add our Habitation Check and we take damp readings throughout and test the gas, electrics, battery and water.
Viewing & Verify
£149 + travel
Seller and document checks, history and finance check, live video walk-round and photo report.
Viewing + Habitation Check
£299 + travel
Everything above plus damp readings and checks of the gas, electrics, battery and water.
Drive It Home
By mileage
If you buy it, we drive it to your door. Fixed quote before you commit.
A viewing is not a full mechanical inspection. We report what we can see and measure on the day, so you can decide with the facts in front of you. See the areas we cover.
Other buying guides
Looking at more than one van? Read our guides to Fiat Ducato common problems and Peugeot Boxer common problems, or see every model we cover.
Questions about buying a Citroen Relay
What are the most common problems with a used Citroen Relay?
The problems reported most often are: AdBlue system faults on 2016-on vans; Injector issues on the 2.2 HDi; Gearbox bearing noise; Water ingress in the cab; and Tired suspension and brakes. Not every van will have them, so check the service history and see the van running from cold.
Is a Citroen Relay a good base for a campervan?
It can be. Citroen Relay vans are widely used for panel van conversions and motorhomes. The best buys have a full service history, a professionally fitted conversion and no damp in the living area.
Can SafeBuy check a Citroen Relay before I buy it?
Yes. We view the van for you, check the seller and paperwork, walk you round it on a live video call and can test the living area with our Habitation Check. Prices start at £149 plus travel.
Seen one for sale? We’ll check the Citroen Relay for you
Send us the advert and we’ll reply within one working day with a fixed quote to view it for you.