2018 Renault Trucks Master 2.3L Diesel · L5 XDP

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2018 Renault Master was conducted on 26 April 2026 and resulted in a PASS, although the inspection recorded a Minor defect for a severely deteriorated nearside front outer drive shaft constant velocity boot, alongside advisories for both rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit and on edge, a non-excessive rear oil leak, and corrosion to the nearside front wing. Looking at the broader test history, the maintenance trend over the past three years is clearly worsening rather than stable, with two failed tests recorded in 2025 containing a cluster of Major defects relating to brake pads worn to the wear indicator, an electronic stability control warning lamp fault, deteriorated constant velocity boots on both front propshaft joints, and a compromised suspension arm ball joint dust cover, followed by an earlier 2025 failure with a Dangerous rear stop lamp defect, ineffective fuel cap, and faulty windscreen wiper. The recurrence of suspension and drivetrain sealing defects across multiple inspections suggests that wear items on this vehicle are not being addressed proactively between tests, which is a concern for any prospective buyer. With 168,537 miles recorded on an eight year old platform, this Master is accumulating around 21,000 miles annually, which is high mileage for a vehicle of its age and consistent with intensive commercial or fleet use. This level of annual mileage places considerable wear on engine, transmission, clutch, braking, and suspension components, and accelerates the degradation of rubber seals, bushes, and flexible boots. The repeated advisories and failures relating to constant velocity boots, suspension ball joint dust covers, suspension arm pins and bushes, and brake pad wear all align with what would be expected from a heavily worked commercial vehicle, and any prospective buyer should anticipate that further related components will require attention in the near future given the cumulative mileage already on the drivetrain. Given the recurring and clustered defects on this vehicle, a thorough physical inspection and extended test drive are essential before purchase. The persistent advisories for rear oil leak and the deteriorating constant velocity boots should prompt a close inspection underneath the vehicle for wet residue around the rear main crankshaft seal, differential, or gearbox, and for any grease contamination around the front drive shaft joints, which if left unchecked will lead to premature joint failure and vibration under load. The historical Major defects for worn rear brake pads, a worn suspension arm ball joint dust cover, and a worn suspension arm pin or bush mean that the braking system and front suspension should be examined for uneven tyre wear patterns indicating geometry misalignment or caliper binding, brake pedal pulsation or shudder under firm application, and audible clunks or knocks from the front end when traversing speed humps or uneven road surfaces. The Electronic Stability Control warning lamp fault should be investigated with a diagnostic scan tool, as the underlying issue may still reside in a wheel speed sensor, ABS ring, or steering angle sensor. Additionally, on the test drive, listen for any whining or humming from the rear axle area that could indicate differential or bearing wear given the high mileage, and verify that the rear stop lamps, reversing lamps, and position lamps all function correctly, as lighting defects have appeared repeatedly in the test history. Beyond the items flagged in the MOT record, the buyer should consider age and mileage related maintenance that may not be visible on a test but warrants verification through service documentation. Tyre condition warrants particular attention given that both rear tyres were flagged as worn close to the legal limit and on edge at the most recent test, and any replacement set should be inspected for even wear across the tread and for sidewall perishing given the vehicle age. Brake discs should be examined for lipping, corrosion ridges, and binding calipers, particularly given the heavy commercial loading this vehicle has likely carried. The 12 volt battery health should be checked, especially if the vehicle has been used for frequent short journeys which are common in commercial operation, and the coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil should be confirmed as recently serviced, as time based fluid degradation remains a factor even at high mileage. Service book stamps and any history of timing belt or clutch replacement should be requested, and a borescope inspection of the engine oil filler and a coolant pressure test would be prudent given the persistent oil leak advisory. Finally, the corroded nearside front wing should be inspected to ensure that corrosion has not spread to structural or load bearing panels, as rust development on commercial vans frequently originates around panel joints and wheel arches.