2014 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · LX64 YUB

The most recent MOT, conducted on 23 June 2025 at 103,403 miles, resulted in a pass, yet the advisory items point to a worsening trend in the vehicle's structural and mechanical condition. The tester flagged a central oil leak, corrosion on the offside front brake pipe, pitted rear brake discs, slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, light oil misting from the offside front shock absorber, and corrosion affecting both rear coil springs. These advisories span the braking, suspension, and engine systems, indicating that while the van remains legally roadworthy, deferred maintenance is accumulating. The 2022 failure for a worn anti-roll bar linkage ball joint and track rod end, followed by a clean pass in September 2022, suggests some steering and suspension work was addressed, but the fresh suspension and brake advisories in 2025 imply that wear items are now deteriorating again. The mileage progression tells a story of consistent, typical use. Between the September 2022 test at 81,198 miles and the November 2023 test at 87,927 miles, the van covered 6,729 miles in just over a year. However, the most recent test on 23 June 2025 records 103,403 miles, meaning the van accumulated 15,476 miles in roughly 19 months. This represents a notable uptick in usage rate, which places added stress on consumable components like brake discs, suspension bushes, and tyres. The gap between the November 2023 and June 2025 tests is also unusually long for a commercial vehicle, raising the possibility of extended periods of intensive use without intermediate servicing. A buyer should pay close attention to the rear suspension and braking system during any in-person inspection. Corrosion on both rear coil springs is a structural concern that can affect ride height and handling, particularly under load. Pitted rear brake discs combined with a corroded front brake pipe suggest the braking system has been operating without prompt attention to fluid leaks or pipe integrity. The slight play in the nearside front lower ball joint and the misting shock absorber are early-stage failures that, left unaddressed, will accelerate tyre wear and compromise steering precision. The central oil leak flagged in 2025 warrants investigation to determine whether it originates from a valve cover gasket, camshaft seal, or a more costly source such as the turbocharger oil feed. Combined with the worn front tyres noted in the November 2023 tests, the record indicates a vehicle that has been driven hard and maintained reactively rather than preventatively. A thorough underbody inspection, a road test focusing on braking pull and suspension knocks, and a compression or leak-down test would be prudent before committing to purchase.