2004 Renault Trafic 1.9L Diesel · CA04 AYY

A defining feature of this Renault Trafic's MOT record is a clear pattern of recurring advisories and intermittent failures centred on lighting, washers, braking components and front suspension, suggesting that the vehicle has been kept on the road but with chronic minor and occasionally more serious issues rather than a clean, trouble-free history. The most recent test on 22 October 2022 was a pass, but it carried three advisories, including an oil leak described as not excessive, light oil misting on both front shock absorbers, and a stone chip in the windscreen. Looking back, the 2020 and 2021 tests show a worsening trend: a 2020 pass was preceded by a failure with a dangerous rear brake pad defect and an exposed tyre cord on the nearside rear, and a 2021 pass followed a failure with both front headlamps suffering severely reduced output due to product contamination, alongside an inoperative position lamp and non-functional washer. Earlier records from 2018 and 2019 reinforce a recurring theme of inoperative horns, failed position lamps, washer deficiencies and rear tyre wear, while a 2018 advisory notes an odd coil spring fitted to the rear axle. Across the recorded tests there have been multiple major defects, two dangerous defects, and a steady accumulation of advisories, which collectively indicate a vehicle that has needed regular rectification rather than presenting a uniformly strong roadworthiness picture. The Trafic has covered 214,802 miles over roughly 22 years, equating to an average of around 9,764 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a working light commercial vehicle of this age. The mileage progression between recorded tests is consistent, with no sudden jumps or implausibly low annual figures that would suggest periods off the road or clock irregularities, and the test intervals appear regular through the late 2010s and early 2020s. For a high-mileage diesel van of this vintage, this kind of accumulation places predictable wear on braking components, steering and suspension linkages, clutch and drivetrain mounts, and turbocharger and injector hardware, none of which are directly visible on an MOT but all of which should be considered in light of the recorded usage. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension is the single most important area to evaluate physically. Both front shock absorbers have been flagged for light oil misting at separate tests, and on a road test the vehicle should be driven over uneven surfaces and speed humps to listen for clonking or knocking from the front end, which would suggest worn top mounts, drop links or anti-roll bar bushes. Examine the front coil springs and wishbones for any corrosion, and pay close attention to ride quality, as any continuing wallow, dipping under braking or excessive bounce would indicate that the dampers have now deteriorated beyond their previously advisory condition. The 2018 advisory regarding an odd coil spring at the rear should prompt a visual inspection underneath the rear axle to confirm correct pairing, condition and seating of the springs, along with checks for any sagging or uneven stance. Braking requires careful scrutiny given the 2020 dangerous defect on the rear brake pads and the related nearside rear tyre cord exposure. On test, the brake pedal should feel firm with no excessive travel or judder under heavy application, and the vehicle should not pull to one side. Inspect the rear discs and pads through the wheels for wear approaching the limit, check the flexible brake hoses for cracking or swelling under pressure, and verify the handbrake holds firmly on a slope, as commercial vans of this age and mileage frequently suffer from seized rear caliper mechanisms or worn handbrake cables. Beyond these flagged systems, the repeated lighting and washer failures warrant a functional check of every front and rear lamp, the horn, hazard switch and washer fluid delivery before purchase, while any oil residue beneath the engine bay should be traced to confirm whether the previously noted oil leak remains minor or has progressed, particularly around the valve cover gasket, turbo seals and sump area.