2014 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · LC64 RVM

The vehicle most recently failed its MOT on 26 August 2026 with a combination of a presenter reason, a minor, two majors and an advisory. The failures were items of relatively straightforward rectification, namely an insufficient windscreen washer, an insecure battery, an inoperative registration plate lamp and an offside headlamp aim that was too low, alongside an advisory noting play in the inner steering rack joints on both sides. When viewed alongside the 2025 test, which itself failed on dangerous tyre tread depth issues, a missing road wheel fixing and an inoperative position lamp, the pattern is one of deterioration rather than stability, with the 2026 failures suggesting that basic pre-test preparation has been neglected and that steering rack wear is now being formally flagged. The 2024 and 2023 tests passed with minor and advisory items only, which indicates the decline is recent and likely tied to deferred maintenance rather than a long-standing mechanical decline. With a recorded mileage of 105,470 miles over twelve years, the vehicle averages approximately 8,789 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a commercial panel van of this age. The MOT records show annual testing with steady accumulation and no extended gaps that would imply prolonged standing, which is positive for component longevity but means the wear-related items such as suspension, braking and drivetrain consumables will have accrued normal service-life fatigue. An oil leak advisory in 2025 also warrants attention, as even a non-excessive leak from this age of Trafic will typically originate from the cam cover gasket, sump seal or turbo oil feed pipes on the diesel engine and will progress if left unchecked. The presence of under trays fitted is common on later Renault Trafics and can mask oil leaks, so a physical inspection underneath is essential. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is to verify that the 2026 failure items have been properly rectified with receipts or photographic evidence, and to inspect the steering rack inner joints in person by rocking the steering wheel side to side with the engine running and the vehicle stationary to feel for any clonking or looseness. A test drive should focus on listening for suspension knocks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, particularly from the front anti-roll bar linkage which was flagged with slight play in 2024, and on checking for brake shudder or pulling under heavy application which would point to warped discs or binding calipers. Given the dangerous tyre tread failures in 2025, all four tyres should be examined for both depth and age-related sidewall cracking, as commercial tyres can perish from age even with adequate tread. Beyond the recorded defects, a twelve year old Trafic at this mileage requires thorough inspection of age-related items regardless of MOT outcome. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as flat battery issues on vans that make frequent short trips are common and the recent minor for an insecure battery suggests the carrier itself may be corroded. Brake discs should be examined for lipping and surface corrosion, particularly on a vehicle that may have stood for periods between commercial use, and the brake fluid should be replaced on a time basis regardless of condition as it is hygroscopic and degrades with calendar age. Coolant, gearbox oil and any diesel particulate filter additive should be checked service history stamped to confirm, and the DPF should be examined for warning lights or reduced performance on a sustained run, which is a known weakness on high mileage Renault Trafic dCi engines. Finally, check for corrosion along the sills, wheel arches and rear cross member, as commercial vans of this era are prone to structural rust through heavy use, and confirm that all previous advisories have been monitored and addressed before purchase.