2018 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · LD18 AFK

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 8 April 2026, but the overall maintenance trend indicates a reactive approach to upkeep. The history reveals a pattern of failures involving critical safety and suspension components, including a dangerous failure for brake pad thickness in 2022 and multiple suspension issues in 2023 and 2026. The fact that the vehicle failed on several major items just days before its final pass suggests that maintenance is being performed to satisfy legal requirements rather than to ensure optimal mechanical longevity. With a recorded mileage of 151,203 miles over approximately eight years, this vehicle has averaged nearly 19,000 miles per year. This is considered high usage and is characteristic of a hard-working commercial vehicle. Such mileage accumulation places significant stress on the drivetrain, engine internals, and chassis. Prospective buyers should be aware that high-mileage vehicles are more prone to premature wear of the clutch, turbocharger, and various rubber engine mounts, necessitating a closer inspection of the service history to verify that major interval maintenance has been performed. Given the recurring issues with the suspension, specific attention must be paid to the front and rear damping systems. The recent replacement of shock absorbers and anti-roll bar linkages suggests a history of chassis stress. During a test drive, listen for rhythmic clunks or knocks when traversing uneven surfaces, which may indicate remaining play in the suspension bushes or ball joints. Additionally, the previous dangerous failure for brake pads indicates a lapse in routine safety checks; therefore, you should inspect the brake discs for deep scoring or a prominent lip, and ensure there is no shuddering under heavy braking. Finally, the previous advisory regarding an exhaust leak should be verified to ensure the system is now fully sealed and not emitting fumes into the cabin. Due to the high mileage, it is imperative to check the service book for evidence of the timing belt and water pump replacement, as these are critical failure points for this engine. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for uneven wear, which often points to lingering alignment issues following the various suspension repairs. A thorough check of the engine bay for oil seepage and a verification of the 12V battery health are also recommended given the vehicle's age and usage profile.