2006 Renault Master 2.5L Diesel · CE06 WVG

The most recent DVSA examination on 8 December 2025 resulted in a PASS, although two advisories were recorded and should not be ignored. Reviewing the trend across the past five years, the maintenance profile is clearly worsening rather than stable. The vehicle failed in November 2023 due to dangerous corrosion around the front suspension jack points and sub-standard parking brake efficiency, then failed again in November 2024 owing to an illuminated ABS warning lamp, an inoperative hazard warning switch, and again a parking brake below requirements. A further failure in November 2025 followed due to excessive corrosion around the nearside rear spring mounting areas on the inner and outer sill. While the most recent pass shows the corrosion has been temporarily resolved, the persistent recurrence of structural corrosion advisories and brake-related failures across successive tests indicates ongoing deterioration that will almost certainly return. Recorded mileage stands at 187,085 miles over approximately 20 years, equating to around 9,350 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a working van of this age and category. There are no significant gaps in annual testing, which suggests reasonably continuous use rather than long periods of standing. This is mechanically beneficial because regular running helps keep seals lubricated, brakes freed off, and prevents the drying-out of rubber components and brake disc corrosion. However, the high absolute mileage means that major mechanical consumables such as clutch, dual-mass flywheel if applicable, timing belt if fitted, turbocharger if fitted, injectors, gearbox mountings and rear leaf spring bushes will all have been subjected to considerable wear and may now be approaching the end of their functional life. Given the recurring advisories and failures, the prospective buyer should pay particular attention to a number of specific items. The front brake discs have been flagged for pitting and scoring in four consecutive tests, which on a test drive would manifest as brake shudder, vibration through the steering wheel under heavy braking, or a pulsating pedal. While not currently a failure item, the corrosion is progressive and replacement of both front discs with fresh pads should be anticipated. The oil leak noted in 2024 and 2025 requires identification; on inspection look for fresh oil residue around the sump, camshaft or crankshaft seals, and check the coolant level for any cross-contamination which would suggest a more serious head gasket or internal seal concern. The ABS warning lamp failure in late 2024 is significant and should be properly diagnosed with a live data scan, as ABS sensor faults, reluctor ring damage, or wiring harness corrosion on a vehicle of this age and mileage are common; a test drive on a wet or gravel surface would help confirm whether the system is now functioning correctly. The parking brake efficiency has been flagged twice as below requirements, so check that the handbrake holds the vehicle on an incline with minimal travel and listen for the rear calipers or shoes self-adjusting audibly when applied. Beyond the documented defects, structural corrosion remains the dominant risk on this chassis. The advisories from 2021 and 2022 noted corroded brake pipes, sub-frame corrosion, inner and outer sill corrosion, and corroded suspension mounting areas, all of which have since escalated into major failures on both the front and rear axles. A thorough pre-purchase inspection should therefore be conducted with the vehicle on a ramp, paying close attention to the sills, jacking points, sub-frame, suspension turrets, and rear spring seats for any bubbling, perforation, or previous weld repairs. The advisories relating to anti-roll bar pin and bush wear suggest checking for rear axle clunks over uneven surfaces, while the steering rack gaiter damage flagged in 2023 warrants checking for any play in the steering or wet grease deposits behind the front wheels. Finally, given the mileage, confirm when the timing belt or chain, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual gearbox oil were last replaced, as calendar-based servicing of fluids is essential on a high-mileage commercial vehicle approaching its third decade of service.