2006 Renault Master 2.5L Diesel · DF56 SAF

The most recent MOT, carried out on 28 August 2025, was a pass but it was accompanied by four tyre‑perishing advisories and a note of slight corrosion on the rear brake hose. The preceding test, only a day earlier, resulted in a failure because of an ABS warning lamp indicating a fault. Since that failure the vehicle has cleared the ABS fault and subsequently passed, suggesting that the electronic brake system is now functional, yet the persistence of tyre‑perishing advisories across three consecutive years points to a continuing issue that has not been resolved. Overall the maintenance record shows a generally stable trend with the major electronic fault remedied, but the recurring tyre condition warnings and brake‑hose corrosion indicate areas that require immediate attention. At 55,513 miles recorded for a 2006 Renault Master the annualised mileage works out to roughly 2,800 miles per year, which is considerably below the typical usage for a commercial van of this age. Such low utilisation often implies long periods of inactivity, which can accelerate rubber perishing, battery sulphation and corrosion of metal components. The mileage figure itself does not suggest excessive wear on drivetrain or suspension parts, but the combination of age and low use means that time‑related degradation is likely to be more significant than mileage‑related wear. Prospective buyers should give the tyre condition the highest priority. All four tyres have been flagged as “slightly damaged/cracking or perishing”, a sign that the rubber compound has deteriorated despite the modest tread depth. On a test drive listen for any thumping, vibration or uneven noise that may indicate internal tyre damage, and feel for any pull to one side that could be caused by uneven wear. It is advisable to have the tyres inspected by a qualified tyre technician and to replace them promptly, as perished tyres can fail catastrophically even at modest speeds. The rear brake hose shows slight corrosion at the ferrule; this should be examined for any signs of fluid leakage, soft pedal feel or brake fade, and the hose should be replaced as part of a comprehensive brake service. Although the ABS warning lamp was not illuminated at the last test, the recent failure suggests that the system may have been intermittent; a diagnostic scan should confirm that the ABS control unit and wheel speed sensors are fault‑free, and the driver should verify that the ABS light remains off during a short drive, noting any pulsation or loss of braking performance under hard braking. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, additional time‑based checks are essential. The 12‑volt battery is likely to have suffered from sulphation; a load test or replacement may be prudent. Inspect the under‑carriage for rust, especially around the door step that was previously noted as corroded, and verify that the chassis is free from structural corrosion. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, transmission and brake fluid – and consider a full service if the last documented service is unknown, as fluids degrade with time even when the engine is not heavily used. Finally, confirm that the rear registration lamp and reverse lamp are operational, and check the condition of suspension bushes, coil springs and steering linkages for any signs of cracking, looseness or excess play, as these components can deteriorate while the vehicle is stationary. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the van’s roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a dependable state.