2009 Renault Master 2.5L Diesel · BJ59 LWK

The 2009 Renault Master passed its most recent MOT on 4 September 2024 at 185,879 miles, but the certificate carries advisories that point to a maintenance pattern best described as stable yet deteriorating. The tester flagged a defective nearside wiper blade, slight free play in the steering rack, slight seepage from a power steering component, slight play in the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint, and corroded front jacking points. None of these alone is a fail, yet together they suggest a vehicle that is holding together but accumulating age-related wear without consistent preventative repair. Comparing this to the February 2024 failure, where the power steering was inoperative, the steering column universal joint had excessive play, and multiple lighting and body defects were present, the September 2024 result shows partial improvement. The steering and lighting faults were addressed enough to pass, but the underlying theme of wear in steering and suspension components persists. The mileage progression tells a coherent story. Between 16 February 2023 at 170,809 miles and 21 February 2024 at 176,188 miles, the van covered roughly 5,379 miles in twelve months. From that February 2024 test to the May 2024 retest at 176,234 miles, only 46 miles were added, consistent with a short repair and retest cycle. The jump to 185,879 miles by 4 September 2024 represents 9,645 miles in under four months, a sharp acceleration that implies intensive use during the summer period. Annualised across the vehicle's life, the total of 185,879 miles over approximately seventeen years works out to roughly 10,934 miles per year, which is typical for a working light commercial vehicle of this age. There are no glaring gaps in the record that suggest long periods off the road, and the mileage progression is broadly consistent with regular, demanding use. A buyer inspecting this van in person should focus on the structural and mechanical areas the MOT record repeatedly highlights. The front jacking points were noted as corroded in September 2024, and the February 2023 test flagged a front sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened, so a thorough underside inspection for corrosion progression is essential, particularly around the sub-frame, suspension mounting points, and both rear brake pipes which have a history of corrosion advisories. The steering rack has shown slight free play at the most recent test, and the February 2024 failure recorded an inoperative power system and a worn lower steering column universal joint, meaning the entire steering column, rack, and pump should be checked for play, fluid condition, and seal integrity. Suspension wear is a recurring theme, with ball joint play noted on both nearside and offside front arms across multiple tests, so expect potential bush and joint replacement work. The braking system has a documented history of binding, fluctuating service brake performance, worn and corroded rear discs, and corroded rear pipes, making a full brake inspection including caliper slide pins, pipe condition, and disc thickness a priority. Oil seepage has appeared consistently across several tests from both the engine and gearbox, so inspect the engine bay, bell housing area, and under-tray for fresh leaks or residue that may indicate deteriorating gaskets or seals.