2006 Renault Trafic 1.9L Diesel · AX06 KEJ

The Renault Trafic’s most recent MOT test on 17 September 2025 at 177,129 miles confirms it remains roadworthy, though the immediate preceding test on 23 September 2024—just one day before its pass—had already failed without recorded defects. This suggests either a rare administrative oversight or a vehicle that narrowly avoided minor but unresolved issues. The pattern over the past three years shows no consistent mechanical failures, yet the repeated failures in September 2023 and 2024 (both at 166,419 and 171,923 miles respectively) imply a potential oversight in pre-MOT maintenance or a test centre’s inability to detect subtle faults. The vehicle’s current status is technically compliant, but the irregular failures warrant scrutiny of components that might not always trigger a fail but could degrade over time. The recorded mileage of 177,129 miles over 20 years aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, averaging around 8,856 miles annually. There are no extended periods of inactivity or unusually rapid mileage accumulation, though the gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests (just two days apart) is unusual and may indicate a rushed or incomplete pre-MOT service. The consistency in mileage suggests the vehicle has been driven regularly rather than left unused, which could mitigate some wear concerns but also means higher exposure to suspension, drivetrain, and brake components. The lack of mileage jumps or prolonged stagnation reduces the risk of severe neglect, though it does not eliminate the need for thorough inspection of high-wear areas. Given the history, a buyer should prioritise examining the suspension system for worn bushes, degraded coil springs, or binding calipers—components that often fail intermittently without triggering an MOT defect. The repeated failures in September suggest a pattern of overlooked minor issues, so brakes (discs, pads, and binding calipers) and exhaust emissions systems should be checked for subtle leaks or inefficiencies. Structural integrity, particularly around wheel arches and sills, should be inspected for corrosion, as this is common in older vans and can compromise safety. Finally, the lack of recorded defects does not guarantee all systems are flawless; a pre-purchase inspection would be prudent to verify the absence of hidden wear, such as in the steering rack, differential, or fuel system.