2006 Renault Trafic 1.9L Diesel · CR06 BEL

The vehicle presents a worsening maintenance trend characterized by recurring failures in steering and suspension components. While the most recent test on 24 November 2025 at 140,563 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle required a retest following a failure just three days prior. This failure was driven by missing steering rack gaiters and deteriorated dust covers on the anti-roll bar linkage and suspension arm ball joints. The frequency of these issues suggests a pattern of reactive rather than preventative maintenance. The mileage accumulation is consistent with the vehicle's age, averaging approximately 7,000 miles per year. The record shows steady usage, with the distance increasing from 89,225 miles in January 2016 to 140,563 miles in November 2025. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, though the vehicle has transitioned from a period of clean passes between 2016 and 2022 to a more problematic phase involving frequent mechanical defects in the last three years. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front-end steering and suspension assembly. The MOT history shows persistent issues with the steering rack inner joints and gaiters, dating back to the 2023 test at 131,198 miles. The tester flagged play in the steering rack and deteriorating dust covers multiple times, indicating that the steering system is nearing the end of its service life. Additionally, the recurring presence of worn or perishing tyres, such as those noted in the 2024 and 2025 tests, suggests that basic consumable upkeep has been inconsistent. The braking system and suspension components also require scrutiny. The 2018 failure regarding parking brake efficiency and wheel bearing roughness, alongside the 2020 advisory for pitted brake discs, indicates that the braking hardware has a history of wear. Given the age of the vehicle and the recent failures of rubber dust covers and ball joints, a close examination of all suspension bushes, coil springs, and rubber gaiters is necessary to ensure no further structural or mechanical degradation is present.