2015 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · EY65 GGU

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT certificate, having passed the roadworthiness examination on 2 February 2026. Reviewing the recent test history, the overall maintenance trend appears relatively stable but with a pattern of recurring tyre wear issues that warrant careful attention. The 2023 test contained a Dangerous failure for an offside rear tyre with tread depth below 1.6mm, alongside Major defects for suspension components including track rod end play and anti-roll bar ball joint wear on both sides, as well as a front position lamp failure. These suspension defects suggest the front end has received attention since then, but the recurrence of nearside front and rear tyre wear advisories in subsequent tests indicates an underlying alignment, tracking, or suspension geometry issue that has not been fully resolved. A prospective buyer should not view the clean 2023 retest in isolation but rather interpret it in the context of the wear patterns that have surfaced afterwards. With recorded mileage of 237,129 miles over an eleven-year service life, this Trafic has covered approximately 21,500 miles annually, placing it firmly in the high-usage commercial category. The MOT records display consecutive annual tests at roughly year-on-year intervals, consistent with a vehicle that has been in regular daily service rather than one that has spent extended periods standing. High annual mileage of this nature accelerates wear on all consumables including brake discs and pads, clutch components, turbocharger and associated hoses, dual-mass flywheel if fitted, suspension bushes, and engine mountings. The cumulative wear on the drivetrain and chassis components will be substantially greater than what the calendar age alone would suggest, and any test drive should account for the fact that major service items may have been deferred or require imminent renewal. Given the recurring tyre edge wear advisories across multiple tests, a thorough inspection of the front suspension geometry is essential before purchase. The buyer should request evidence of a recent four-wheel alignment check and verify that the tracking is within manufacturer tolerances, as uneven inner or outer edge wear typically points to incorrect camber or toe settings, often exacerbated by worn components such as the upper Macpherson strut pin or bush that was flagged in January 2024. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which would suggest the upper strut bearing or bush requires renewal. Pay close attention to steering precision, checking for any vagueness, wandering, or uneven tyre wear patterns between the nearside and offside, and inspect the tyres not just for tread depth but also for uneven shoulder wear indicating suspension misalignment or worn dampers. Beyond the documented defects, the high mileage and commercial vehicle profile demand scrutiny of items that MOT testing does not fully cover. The 12V battery, starter motor, and alternator should be tested for health, as repeated short urban cycles place significant strain on electrical components. Brake discs, although not flagged in advisories, are likely approaching a wear threshold given the mileage and should be physically inspected for lipping, scoring, and surface corrosion, with the caliper slide pins checked for binding that can cause uneven pad wear. Service history verification is critical, with particular attention to cambelt or timing chain replacement intervals, clutch operation, turbocharger function, and the condition of all fluids including brake fluid, coolant, and gearbox oil, as these degrade with both time and use. Finally, examine the underside for any signs of fluid leaks, corrosion to structural or load-bearing areas, and the condition of exhaust mounting points, all of which are common concerns on high-mileage commercial vehicles of this age.