2021 Renault Master LL35 Business DCI 2.3L Diesel · FX71 DTO

The most recent DVSA examination on 7 November 2025 recorded a PASS with no defects or advisories noted, suggesting the vehicle was presented in a roadworthy condition at that time. It is worth observing, however, that this pass followed very closely on the heels of a failed test on 31 October 2025, just seven days earlier, where again no defects were entered onto the official record. A similar pattern is visible in November 2024, where a fail and a pass were recorded on the same day. While the absence of recorded reasons on the failure entries makes it impossible to determine what was identified and subsequently rectified, the repeated close proximity of failures to passes indicates the vehicle has on more than one occasion required remedial work immediately prior to obtaining its certificate. This does not necessarily point to a mechanically deficient example, but it does mean that a prospective buyer should verify the nature of the work carried out and confirm the documentation from those repairs. With 166,764 miles recorded over approximately five years, this Renault Master is averaging around 33,000 miles annually, which is notably high for a light commercial vehicle of this age and well above typical fleet or private usage. Sustained high mileage of this nature places considerable cumulative demand on the driveline, clutch, turbocharger, dual-mass flywheel if fitted, suspension components, and braking system. While diesel engines are generally well-suited to long-distance work and the Master’s 2.3 dCi unit is known for its durability when serviced regularly, the buyer must satisfy themselves that oil and filter changes have been conducted at the correct intervals, and that the timing belt or chain, depending on the specific variant, has been replaced in line with manufacturer schedules. Any significant gaps between service entries, or evidence of missed maintenance, should be treated as a serious concern given the working life this vehicle appears to have led. In the absence of any recorded advisories, a physical inspection becomes all the more important, particularly with regard to items that the MOT examiner may have considered acceptable at the time but which warrant closer scrutiny on a high-mileage commercial of this age. On the test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension, which would suggest worn anti-roll bar drop links, wishbone bushes, or top mount bearings, all known wear items on the Master. Check for uneven tyre wear across the axles, as this can indicate alignment issues or compromised suspension geometry, and inspect the sidewalls carefully for perishing or cracking, given that some tyres may have been replaced infrequently despite high mileage accumulation. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive without sponginess, and the vehicle should pull up in a straight line without shudder through the steering, which would suggest warped front discs or pad wear unevenly transferring through the calipers. Further practical checks should include a thorough visual examination underneath the vehicle for any signs of fluid leakage from the engine, power steering rack, or rear differential area, as well as evidence of corrosion around the rear leaf spring hangers, which can be vulnerable on Masters used heavily on wet or salted winter roads. The 12V battery health should be verified, particularly given that commercial vehicles often experience short urban cycles that do not allow full recharge; a weak battery can also indicate underlying alternator wear. Brake fluid and coolant are time-served rather than mileage-served items and should have been changed in line with manufacturer recommendations, so the service history should confirm these renewals regardless of odometer readings. Finally, exhaust smoke on start-up and under load should be assessed, with any blue tinge suggesting oil consumption from turbo or piston ring wear, and excessive black smoke pointing to injector or EGR concerns, both of which are common on higher-mileage diesel commercials and would warrant pre-purchase investigation by a specialist.