2003 Renault Trafic 1.9L Diesel · AP53 AZB

The vehicle remains technically roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a worsening trajectory regarding mechanical and rubber components. While it passed the most recent test in October 2025 at 87,027 miles, the tester identified new faults including steering rack inner joint play and a noisy offside front wheel bearing. These issues follow a pattern of recurring component degradation that suggests the vehicle's suspension and steering assembly are reaching the end of their functional life due to age despite the low annual mileage. At 23 years old, the recorded mileage of 87,027 miles is exceptionally low, averaging approximately 3,800 miles per year. This low usage pattern explains the persistent issues with rubber-based parts, specifically the cracking and perishing tyres noted in three consecutive annual tests. Between October 2022 and October 2023, the vehicle only covered 1,931 miles, indicating it likely sits for long periods. Such inactivity often leads to the degradation of seals and the accumulation of corrosion on brake lines rather than wear-related failure. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system, as corroded brake pipes have been a recurring advisory since at least 2023. The presence of grease on these pipes, as noted by the tester, may indicate an attempt to mask structural rust or previous fluid leaks. The steering rack inner joints flagged in the 2025 test require immediate attention to ensure the play has not progressed into a safety-criticalising steering failure. Furthermore, the exhaust leak noted in 2024 should be verified to ensure the manifold or primary pipe has not suffered significant thinning from corrosion.