2009 Renault Trafic 2.0L Diesel · EU09 GGX

A recurring theme in the MOT history of this 2009 Renault Trafic is its struggle to clear the test on the first attempt, with two failures recorded within the space of three years despite otherwise passing. The most recent attempt on 17 November 2025 actually resulted in a fail alongside a pass on the same day, an unusual but not unheard of occurrence that suggests a last-minute repair or a retest being logged separately. The failure items are notable: both windscreen wipers failed to clear the screen effectively, and the offside stop lamp was not functioning. The previous failure in November 2024 was similarly lighting and visibility related, with both windscreen washers inoperative and a nearside track rod end ball joint with excessive play, alongside advisories for an oil leak and a nearside front tyre worn on its edge. The pattern of failed items points to minor electrical and wiper mechanism issues rather than catastrophic structural or mechanical failure, but it does indicate that the vehicle has been left in a borderline state before tests on more than one occasion. The recorded mileage of 135,156 across approximately seventeen years equates to a fairly typical annual accumulation of around 7,950 miles, consistent with steady commercial or multi-user light commercial use rather than a single high-mileage operator or extended periods of inactivity. Testing has been conducted on a near annual basis without multi-year gaps, which means there is a continuous record of roadworthiness checks and the mileage progression can be tracked. There is no evidence of rapid mileage escalation between tests, with each annual interval showing broadly expected increments. This continuous, moderate-use profile means wear on consumables such as tyres, brake components, suspension bushes and exhaust mounts should be proportionate to the mileage, without the additional concerns that low-mileage storage or high-mileage motorway running can introduce. For a prospective buyer, the components flagged in the advisories deserve particular attention during any inspection. The repeated oil leak advisory, noted in 2021, 2022 and 2024, warrants a thorough check of the engine and gearbox for fresh seepage, oily residue on the underside and any deterioration of rubber seals that may now be worsening. The front coil springs were flagged as corroded in early 2022, and on a Trafic of this age corrosion at the spring seats and associated suspension components is a common failure point, so listen for clonks or knocking over uneven road surfaces and visually inspect for cracking or flaking of the spring coils. The nearside track rod end replacement recorded in November 2024 should be confirmed as having been carried out to a satisfactory standard, and on test drive any steering wander, vibration through the wheel or uneven tyre wear would suggest the repair may not have been completed properly. The offside rear brake disc advisory from 2022 should also be followed up, as a scored or pitted disc on a commercial vehicle of this age may now be approaching a thickness limit. The fuel tank strap advisories are particularly relevant on this model, having been flagged as either snapped or corroded on three separate occasions between 2022 and late 2022, and these straps are a known weak point on the Trafic due to corrosion at the strap-to-body mounting areas. A buyer should physically inspect the straps for security and any remaining metal thickness, as a failed strap could allow the tank to drop or shift. The recurring nearside front tyre wear on the edge noted in 2021 and 2024 is consistent with the track rod end issue and could indicate front suspension geometry concerns, so check current tyres for uneven inner or outer edge wear. Finally, given the wipers and washer failures recorded, test all wiper speeds for effective clearing and confirm washer jet operation, while the stop lamp issues should be verified by physically operating the brake pedal while an observer confirms illumination. The vehicle passed its most recent test but its history of borderline failures suggests careful pre-purchase scrutiny is warranted.