2018 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · LX18 VBC

The 2018 Renault Trafic presents a stable but high-wear maintenance profile as of its most recent MOT on 19 June 2025 at 111,235 miles. The vehicle passed that test, yet the recurring advisory for a worn Nearside Front tyre edge indicates a persistent issue that has appeared in three of the last four annual inspections. This pattern suggests a slow-developing fault, likely related to wheel alignment or suspension geometry, rather than a sudden failure. The maintenance trend is broadly stable, with no new serious defects emerging, but the repeated tyre wear points to an underlying mechanical condition that has not been permanently resolved. The mileage accumulation is notably uneven. Between the March 2023 test at 96,768 miles and the November 2023 test at 106,513 miles, the van covered 9,745 miles in just over eight months, a sharp increase. However, the mileage then remained virtually static at 106,513 miles for the next nine months until the June 2024 test at 106,516 miles, suggesting the vehicle stood unused for an extended period. From June 2024 to June 2025, it added 4,719 miles. This stop-start usage pattern is typical of a commercial vehicle that may have been laid up between jobs, and it can cause its own issues, such as brake corrosion from standing and tyre flat-spotting. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering components. The persistent Nearside Front tyre edge wear is a classic indicator of excessive negative camber or a worn suspension bush, track rod end, or ball joint. Have the front end checked on a four-wheel alignment rig and inspect all rubber bushes and swivel joints for play or perishing. The November 2023 failure for worn front brake pads, which were rectified before the pass on the same day, confirms the braking system is used hard. Examine the condition of the front brake discs for scoring or lipping, and check the rear brakes and handbrake mechanism, as vans that stand for long periods often suffer from binding rear calipers or seized handbrake cables. Finally, pay close attention to the vehicle's structural integrity, particularly the load floor, sills, and around the rear doors, as high-mileage vans used for commercial work often show early signs of corrosion or cracking. The advisory on tyre condition is a consumable item, but its recurrence is a diagnostic clue. If the alignment and suspension are sound, the tyre wear should not repeat. If it does, the buyer is looking at ongoing tyre costs and a potential handling issue that could compromise stability under heavy load.