Citroen Relay

[Paddy1000111]

As some of you guys will have seen I have been planning to get a new van from March. I've been eyeing up ford transits but the prices are sky high and none of them seem to be what I really want (either double cab or tool cab back so I don't have to rip the whole back off and start again).

 

I've noticed a few citroen relay tippers with either crew cab or toolcab back with super low mileage (25k) for about 15-16k plus vat. Anyone using a citroen? Any feedback?

[allseasons]

Had one and it blew up but did only have single wheels at the back didnt like the weight one bit

[Paddy1000111]

Interesting. Seen on here a load of times that the single wheel axle transits are better as they have more load ability? 

[allseasons]

Really struggled with a full load and chipper. Went for a Isuzu now and it is awesome pulls like a train and lovely to drive. Not much room in cab though for 3 lads.

[josharb87]

44 minutes ago, Paddy1000111 said:

Interesting. Seen on here a load of times that the single wheel axle transits are better as they have more load ability? 

Generally single wheels have a higher "legal" load rating, but in real world work, don't handle the weight as well as the duals do (sways about more)

A 3,5t double cab WILL be over loaded, so might as well try and be a little safer and go duals

[Big J]

I had two Relays when we were in Scotland. A 14 plate ex demonstrator and then a 66 plate one I ordered new. 

 

Really nice vans, but it's worth ordering new. To carry a heavy load you need the uprated suspension. First Relay I had didn't have it, the second did. You could put two tonnes in the back of the second one and it sat completely level. 

 

Also, the 160bhp engine is worth the extra money. 

 

I once did 696 miles in it in one day. Towing and loaded for the entire journey, and very comfortable indeed. 

[Paddy1000111]

47 minutes ago, Scottish Cleaning Service said:

My mate just picked up a new Citroen Relay and he had to wait 4 months for it, they did say he will get it soon when he ordered it.

Tbf I'm looking second hand for now as I only want something for a year or two before maybe looking at a 7.5t as things go! 

 

I used to drive a relay horse box but not had any long term experience with a heavy load. They're comfortable but the rear axle looks weak! 

[harvey b davison]

No experience of relays, but I had a citroen c15 for 9 years, now have a berlingo multispace, which I've had for 7 years, absolutely love citroen, totally reliable. Apart from usual maintenance they have cost me next to nothing. Wouldn't hesitate in getting another. Incidentally my parents have 2 citroen cars, 1 is 14 years old which my dad uses and my mam buys a new one every 3 years.

[marne]

The bodies are superb and litterally never rust, but I would avoid the 2.2 engine at all cost. 

Go with those Ducatos instead, proven iveco engines in there with the same sturdy vehicle around them. Go with the maxi-Chassis, which will give you beefed up brakes and an unofficial gross weight of 4.2t with the right tires. Suspension upgrades can be had for less than 1k. Buy one with the suspension seat and your in spine-heaven. 

 

Edited February 18, 2021 by marne

[Paddy1000111]

Thanks for the replies. Bang for buck it honestly looks like I am better off just going with the transit. The tipper ducatos seem few and far between and the only ones I can find are new for ~£20K+vat

 

I'm genuinely surprised how little tipper vans depreciate....