2009 Renault Trafic 2.0L Diesel · FN59 VUT

The most recent DVSA examination on 21 October 2025 resulted in a PASS, although it followed closely on the heels of a substantial FAIL on 15 October 2025, which is itself a significant indicator of the vehicle's mechanical condition. That earlier test recorded a range of Major defects, including a parking brake efficiency below requirements, a non-functioning offside rear direction indicator, an absent nearside side repeater, a serious fluid leak from the offside front shock absorber, and a damaged nearside rear brake cable fouling on the wheel. While the subsequent pass demonstrates that remedial work was evidently undertaken, the sheer breadth and severity of those majors suggest the van should not be assumed to be in sound order without independent verification of the rectification. The 2025 advisory notes, taken alongside the pass, further point to an ongoing oil leak from the engine or ancillary components, front brake discs exhibiting wear and pitting, and a nearside front service brake that was binding, albeit not excessively. Looking back over the broader pattern, the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 tests all carried advisories relating to front shock absorber oil misting, indicating a progressive deterioration of the front damping that culminated in outright failure last year. The overall maintenance trend is therefore one of gradual decline rather than stability, with suspension, braking, and lighting components having repeatedly attracted advisory attention across multiple tests. In terms of recorded mileage, the odometer stands at 164,592 miles across approximately 17 years, which equates to an average annual usage of around 9,682 miles. This figure is broadly typical for a commercial vehicle of this age, but the MOT history itself provides only sparse annual test entries between 2020 and 2025, making it difficult to confirm consistent year-on-year usage. The presence of recurring wear-related advisories over a relatively short testing window suggests the van has been in regular service rather than left standing for extended periods, and any subsequent buyer should anticipate that consumable components such as brakes, tyres, and suspension parts will be approaching the latter stages of their service life. Given the high absolute mileage, attention should also be directed towards the clutch, dual-mass flywheel if applicable, gearbox synchros, and turbocharger condition on test, none of which fall within the MOT scope but all of which carry elevated wear expectations at this odometer reading. From a buyer's perspective, the recurring front shock absorber advisories across every test since 2020 demand particular scrutiny, as the 2025 major leak on the offside unit confirms that the dampers have now reached the end of their functional life and require replacement as a pair to preserve balanced handling and braking stability. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, watch for excessive nose dive under braking, and observe whether the van continues to oscillate after hitting a bump. The front brake disc wear and pitting advisory, combined with the reported nearside front binding, points to the need for a thorough inspection of the caliper slide pins, piston seals, and disc run-out; binding calipers typically manifest as pulling to one side under braking, uneven pad wear, and a hot wheel rim after driving. The 2020 advisory regarding anti-roll bar linkage ball joint play and the upper Macpherson strut pin or bush wear further indicates that the front suspension refresh should encompass the anti-roll bar drop links, strut top mounts, and the strut bearing plates. Beyond the recorded defects, the engine oil leak flagged in 2025 warrants a careful under-bonnet inspection to determine whether the source is from the sump, cam cover gasket, front or rear crankshaft seals, or a turbocharger oil feed line, as addressing this may involve significant labour depending on the origin. The parking brake efficiency failure should also be rechecked on a hill, ensuring the van holds securely on an incline without excessive lever travel, which would suggest the rear brake shoes or cable adjusters require attention. Given the mileage, prospective buyers should verify the timing belt or chain replacement interval according to manufacturer schedule, confirm recent coolant and brake fluid changes in line with calendar-based servicing rather than mileage, and inspect the underside for corrosion, particularly around the rear axle, subframe, and brake pipe runs. Tyres of this age and mileage frequently suffer from sidewall perishing even where tread depth remains adequate, and the 12V battery is likely due for replacement. Finally, request evidence of the rectification work carried out between the October 2025 fail and pass, including invoices for the shock absorbers, brake cable, and indicator repairs, to confirm those defects have been resolved to a durable standard rather than merely cleared for test purposes.