2012 Renault Trafic 2.0L Diesel · FN12 WCC

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive rather than proactive repairs. While the vehicle passed its March 2026 test at 182,797 miles, the failure recorded just eight days prior highlighted multiple critical failures in the front suspension. The tester identified excessively worn nearside front suspension arm ball joints, a nearside track rod end, and both front anti-roll bar linkages. This indicates that the owner only addresses mechanical wear components once they reach a failure threshold rather than performing scheduled preventative maintenance. At 182,797 miles over 14 years, this Renault Trafic has averaged approximately 13,000 miles per annum. The recorded data shows consistent, heavy usage, particularly between February 2025 and March 2026 when the vehicle covered nearly 4,700 miles in just over thirteen months. This high rate of operation places significant strain on the drivetrain and suspension components, which aligns with the recurring mechanical failures noted in the MOT history. A buyer must be wary of the persistent corrosion affecting the rear brake pipes. This issue has been flagged in every annual test since at least 2023, moving from the offside rear to both rears by the March 2026 inspection. The mention of grease or material covering these corroded pipes suggests an attempt to hide surface rust from the tester, which is a significant red flag. A thorough physical inspection of the entire brake line and structural mounting points is essential to ensure corrosion has not progressed beyond the surface level. The suspension geometry should also be scrutinised during a test drive. Given the multiple failures of ball joints and track rod ends in 2026, the buyer should check for play in the remaining suspension components and signs of steering misalignment. The offside rear parking brake also requires close attention, as it was only just meeting minimum requirements in early 2025. The high mileage and history of neglected component wear suggest that the vehicle is nearing the end of the economic life for many major mechanical assemblies.