RENAULT TRAFIC2004 · 2.5L DIESEL

The 2004 Renault Trafic holds a clean MOT status following the April 2026 test at 167,881 miles, where no defects were recorded. This pass directly followed a failure the previous day for severely inefficient parking brakes and an inoperative offside rear unit, alongside a nearside rear stop lamp fault. The trend is currently stable, but the immediate re-test suggests the previous owner addressed the defective braking components promptly. A recurring theme of front brake imbalance appeared in the April 2025 test at 164,365 miles, where the system only just met minimum requirements, indicating a pattern of borderline braking adjustment rather than a sudden catastrophic failure. The recorded mileage of 167,881 miles equates to roughly 7,631 miles annually, a typical figure for a light commercial vehicle of this age. The MOT records show steady, consistent accumulation without significant gaps or sudden spikes in usage. Between May 2023 and May 2024, the vehicle covered 5,254 miles, increasing to 2,802 miles by April 2025, and reaching 3,516 miles by April 2026. This gradual decrease in annual mileage suggests the vehicle has seen lighter, more local use in recent years, which often points to urban driving cycles that accelerate wear on braking components. A physical inspection should focus heavily on the braking system, given the recurring advisories and recent failures. Check the front calipers for sticking, which often causes the imbalance noted in the 2025 test, and inspect the rear parking brake cables for stretching or seizure, which explains the 2026 failure. The tester flagged an oil leak in April 2025; examine the engine and gearbox for fresh weeping or dripping that may have worsened since. Slightly defective headlamp lenses noted in 2023 can scatter light and cause annual test failures if moisture ingress develops. Inspect the underside for corrosion. A 22-year-old van with urban mileage may exhibit rust on suspension mounts, brake lines, or subframes, even if the MOT records remain clean.