2019 Renault Master 2.3L Diesel · MH68 BVB

At 120,188 miles over a seven-year life, this Renault Master is a heavily worked commercial vehicle whose MOT history reflects the cumulative wear expected of a high-mileage panel van. The current pass on 16 February 2026 was secured only after the technician recorded multiple advisories, notably a smooth brake pedal and damaged rear suspension bump stops on both sides, which suggests that the operating environment and load cycles are taking a measurable toll on the contact surfaces and rubber mounts. The preceding pass on 20 February 2025 was completely clean, indicating that the wear being flagged now is progressive rather than a pre-existing fault, but the picture between those two passes includes a much more serious event. On 25 January 2024 the vehicle failed on two dangerous items: a loose upper shock absorber mounting bolt on the nearside rear that risked detachment, and rear brake pads worn below 1.5 mm with the pad wear sensor wire broken. Although the vehicle subsequently passed on 26 January 2024, the history shows that even between consecutive MOT tests this van has produced safety-critical brake and suspension defects, a pattern worth weighing carefully when considering purchase. The annual mileage accumulation of roughly 17,170 miles per year is substantially higher than the typical private-car average and is consistent with sustained fleet or commercial operation. There are no extended gaps between annual tests during the recorded period, with tests falling in January or February each year, indicating the vehicle has been in regular service rather than laid up. Mechanically, this usage profile points directly towards accelerated wear on the consumable and high-stress components: brake friction material, discs, caliper slide pins, suspension bushes, anti-roll bar mountings, dampers, and engine sealing components. The recorded nearside lower engine oil leak noted in 2024 and the nearside front inner anti-roll bar pin or bush wear in the same period are both highly consistent with the higher vibration and load environment of a commercial vehicle, and the rear shock absorber mounting problem on the same test reinforces the impression that the rear axle area has been subjected to significant cyclical loading. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection and test drive on the specific components that have already generated advisories or failures. Examine the brake pedal rubber for renewed wear and confirm the surface still provides adequate grip, as the current advisory for a smooth pedal suggests the friction material is glazing. On the rear suspension, inspect both bump stops for cracking, displacement, or detachment, and check visually for any play at the upper shock absorber mountings where the dangerous failure originated, as loose top mounts can reappear after only modest use on heavily loaded vehicles. The rear brake calipers and pads deserve close scrutiny, given that the pads previously dropped below 1.5 mm with a broken sensor wire: on a test drive, listen for any metallic grinding under light braking, feel for a soft or excessively long pedal travel, and watch for pulling to one side that could indicate a binding or seized caliper sliding pin. Under the vehicle, look for fresh oil residue around the nearside lower engine area consistent with the noted oil leak, and assess its severity by checking for wetness on the undertray and the surrounding components rather than just dried staining. The anti-roll bar bush wear flagged on the nearside front inner mounting is also worth rechecking, as worn anti-roll bar pin or bush joints tend to loosen progressively and can produce clonking or rattling noises over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or during laden cornering. During a loaded test drive if possible, listen for any knocking from the rear suspension over bumps, which could indicate renewed shock absorber or mounting wear, and feel for excessive vertical bouncing after compression that would suggest damper fade. The 2023 advisory for an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on the edge is a useful reminder to inspect the front axle geometry and camber, because repeated edge wear on a commercial front axle often points to misalignment, worn suspension linkages, or overloaded operation. Given the mileage, the known oil leak, and the documented shock absorber mounting failure, it would be prudent to budget for replacement rear brake pads and discs, a thorough suspension refresh including bump stops and bushes, and attention to the engine sealing, treating any purchase price accordingly.