2017 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · EO67 ENP

The vehicle presents a clean bill of health on paper following its most recent MOT on 11 April 2025 at 95,714 miles, where it passed with zero defects after a shock absorber fluid leak was rectified on the same day. That same-day retest is significant. A serious leak on the nearside front shock absorber failed the initial test, yet the subsequent pass confirms the component was replaced or repaired promptly. Looking at the broader timeline, the maintenance trend is one of gradual wear rather than neglect. Front brake pads were flagged as wearing thin across multiple tests between 2021 and 2022, which is normal consumable degradation for a working van of this type. The offside front shock absorber has shown a recurring theme, first noted with light oil misting in October 2023 at 83,854 miles, which then escalated to a serious leak by April 2025 at 95,714 miles. This progression from misting to failure over roughly 18 months and 12,000 miles suggests the unit was deteriorating steadily and was eventually addressed rather than ignored. The mileage accumulation is consistent with typical commercial use. From October 2021 at 48,429 miles to October 2023 at 83,854 miles, the van covered approximately 35,000 miles in two years, averaging around 17,500 miles annually during that period. That rate slowed considerably thereafter, with only 11,860 miles added between October 2023 and April 2025, dropping the annualised figure to roughly 8,000 miles per year. The MOT record is relatively sparse, with only five tests documented across five years, but the gaps between 2023 and 2025 are notable and may indicate the van saw reduced use or was possibly off the road for periods. No test records exist between 2022 and 2023 beyond the single October 2022 entry, which limits visibility into interim condition. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and braking system. The repeated shock absorber issues, particularly the offside front unit progressing from oil misting to a serious leak, warrant close examination of both front dampers, their top mounts, and the coil springs for corrosion or sag. Check the nearside front shock absorber closely for signs of a recent replacement, including part condition and fitting quality. The front brake system has historically worn pads at a steady rate, so inspect disc thickness, caliper slide pins, and any signs of binding or uneven wear on both front and rear axles. The offside rear tyre was flagged for cracking and perishing in October 2022, which raises questions about tyre age and storage conditions. Verify the date codes on all four tyres and the spare, as aged rubber on a van that may have been standing is a common oversight. Given the van's commercial origins, inspect the load floor, sills, and suspension mounting points for corrosion or structural fatigue, particularly if the vehicle has been used for heavy or uneven loads.