2013 Renault Master 2.3L Diesel · A26 AJP

The most recent MOT test recorded on 13 April 2026 resulted in a pass, but it should be viewed with caution as it followed a failure on the same date which contained a Dangerous defect. The vehicle was presented with rear brake pads measured at less than 1.5 mm thick, which represents a serious safety risk and explains why the subsequent pass likely reflects post-repair rectification rather than an inherently well-serviced braking system. The accompanying advisories, including an oil leak, a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge, and corroded brake pipes at both the front and rear, indicate several items that were left unresolved or were approaching the threshold of failure. Comparing the 2026 record with the 2025 and 2024 passes, the maintenance trend does not appear to be improving; recurring brake pipe corrosion advisories, front shock absorber misting first noted in 2024, and repeated tyre wear issues on the nearside front suggest persistent underlying concerns. The escalation from a clean advisory list in earlier years to a Dangerous brake defect in 2026 reflects a worsening condition that warrants close scrutiny. With 156,369 miles recorded over approximately 13 years, the vehicle is accumulating around 12,028 miles annually, which is notably high mileage for a Renault Master of this vintage and substantially above the average for light commercial vehicles. This level of usage implies considerable wear on the engine, transmission, clutch, suspension, braking components and drivetrain, particularly given that commercial vehicles are frequently operated under load. The consistency in the mileage progression across MOT entries suggests the van has been in regular service rather than left standing for extended periods, which is generally favourable for preventing standing-related corrosion and battery degradation, but does mean that consumable components will have been subjected to sustained mechanical stress. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the brake system, as the advisories and Dangerous defect point to it being the most pressing area of concern. The brake pipe corrosion flagged at multiple MOT tests across 2023, 2024 and 2026 suggests systemic deterioration of the underbody pipework, likely exacerbated by age, road salt exposure and high mileage; a physical inspection should look for surface rust, pitting, and any flaking or bubbling of the protective coating, and the buyer should request evidence of pipe replacement or treatment. The rear brake pads being worn below 1.5 mm indicates that caliper function, slider pins and disc condition should also be assessed, and during a test drive the buyer should listen for any grinding, squealing or pulsation under braking and confirm that the vehicle pulls neither left nor right. The front shock absorbers showing light oil misting in 2024 should be re-evaluated for weeping seals, uneven damping, or any clonks or excessive bounce over uneven surfaces, as shocks at this mileage and age are approaching replacement threshold. Beyond the recorded defects, the oil leak advisory, while classed as not excessive, warrants inspection of the engine sump, valve cover gasket, and turbo or oil cooler seals for fresh residue or staining on the undertray and surrounding components. The nearside front tyre being worn close to the limit and on its edge suggests a possible tracking, camber or suspension geometry issue that has caused uneven contact patch wear, and the buyer should request wheel alignment verification and inspect the suspension bushes, ball joints and wishbone bushes for slop or perishing. Given the high mileage, additional due diligence should include verifying the timing belt or chain service interval compliance, confirming the condition and age of the 12V battery, checking for clutch slip or judder under load, and ensuring that all fluid services including brake fluid, coolant and gearbox oil have been performed in line with calendar-based schedules. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a competent commercial vehicle technician, ideally with the vehicle raised on a ramp for underbody examination, would be strongly advisable before committing to purchase.