2016 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · MH65 GWD

The most recent DVSA MOT outcome on 29 January 2026 was an initial fail due to a fractured nearside rear coil spring, followed immediately by a pass on the same date with no advisories recorded, indicating that the suspension component was rectified prior to re-test. Reviewing the broader history, the maintenance trend is best described as broadly stable but with recurring themes of wear-related issues; the vehicle has passed each year since 2022, yet every test has surfaced advisories relating to tyres, brake discs, or underbody and suspension corrosion, and two of the four most recent tests included major defects, notably a dangerous track rod end in 2024 and the coil spring failure in 2026. This pattern suggests the vehicle is being maintained to a pass standard but is accumulating age and mileage related wear at a steady, predictable rate, with front-end steering and suspension components appearing to be a particular area of attention. At 146,981 miles on a 2016 vehicle, the recorded mileage is notably high for its age, equating to roughly 14,700 miles per year, which is well above the average for a vehicle of this vintage. There are no significant gaps in the annual test record that would imply extended inactivity, and the consistent year-on-year testing suggests regular use, most likely commercial or high-mileage private operation given the Renault Trafic's typical role. Such mileage places considerable accumulated wear on the drivetrain, clutch, turbocharger (if fitted), suspension bushes and springs, brake system, and dual-mass flywheel if applicable, and any prospective buyer should anticipate that major service items may be approaching or overdue, including timing belt replacement intervals depending on engine variant. Given the recurrence of steering and suspension advisories and failures, a close inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry is strongly advised. The dangerous nearside front track rod end failure in 2024 and the offside front track rod end play in 2023 indicate that the steering rack, inner and outer tie rod ends, and drop links should be physically checked for any free play, torn gaiters, or weeping joints, and on a test drive any vague steering, uneven tyre wear across the front axle, or knocking or clunking from the front end over uneven surfaces would warrant immediate concern. The fractured rear coil spring in 2026 is also indicative of vehicle weight carrying capacity having taken its toll, particularly common on rear-driven vans used for load carrying, and the offside rear spring should be inspected for any signs of sagging, cracking, or abnormal ride height. The 2024 anti-roll bar D-bush failures further suggest that the anti-roll bar mountings, drop links, and all polybushes are likely to be approaching the end of their service life and would benefit from a thorough physical inspection on a ramp. In addition to the steering and suspension concerns, the advisories regarding nearside front and rear tyre sidewall damage and perishing in 2025 indicate that the tyres are ageing as well as wearing, and sidewall cracking is a particular issue where high mileage, sustained motorway use, or prolonged UV exposure are present; all four tyres should be examined for age-related perishing, DOT date codes verified, and uneven wear patterns noted. Brake disc condition is another recurring theme, with advisories for worn, pitted, or scored nearside front disc in 2025 and a major failure for significantly worn rear brake discs in 2023, so a physical check of disc thickness, lipping, and any signs of brake shudder, pulling, or grinding under test-drive conditions is essential, along with inspection of the rear brake calipers for binding given the standing time any commercial vehicle may accumulate between work cycles. The underbody corrosion advisories also warrant particular attention, and any prospective buyer should request the vehicle be placed on a ramp to examine the floor pans, subframe mountings, brake and fuel lines, and suspension components for advanced surface or structural corrosion. Finally, age-appropriate items such as the 12 volt battery health, coolant and brake fluid replacement intervals (typically two and three years respectively), cambelt or timing chain service evidence depending on engine variant, and verification of full service history stamps should all be confirmed prior to purchase, as a ten-year-old high-mileage van of this nature demands evidence of diligent maintenance to remain mechanically sound.