2015 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · MJ65 XGC

The 2015 Renault Trafic most recently passed its MOT on 15 April 2025 at 148,345 miles, but the record reveals a maintenance pattern that is neither stable nor reassuring. The vehicle failed the previous day at 148,344 miles due to a brake pedal wearing smooth and a nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint likely to become detached. Passing 24 hours later suggests a quick fix rather than thorough servicing. The tester repeatedly flagged a windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view across the 2024 and 2025 tests, indicating cosmetic damage has been tolerated rather than repaired. Advisories on tyre wear and brake pedal wear have persisted for multiple years, pointing to deferred basic upkeep. This van has covered 148,345 miles over roughly eleven years, averaging approximately 13,486 miles annually. That figure is high for a light commercial vehicle of this age and implies sustained heavy use, likely including loaded motorway runs or frequent urban stop-start work. The mileage progression shows a notable jump between 120,058 miles in March 2023 and 136,765 miles in March 2024, an increase of 16,707 miles in twelve months. That spike suggests a period of intense use, placing additional stress on suspension bushes, brake discs, drivetrain mounts, and exhaust components. The near-zero mileage change between the April 2025 failure and pass, just one mile, is consistent with a retest following repairs rather than genuine use. A buyer should treat the recurring advisories as a warning. The brake pedal wearing smooth has appeared in three consecutive tests from 2023 to 2025, yet the underlying cause, whether a worn pedal pivot, servo issue, or fluid problem, has never been fully addressed. The nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint flagged as likely to become detached in April 2025 is a serious suspension concern. If the joint detaches at speed, directional control is compromised. The front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on the edge suggests possible tracking misalignment or worn suspension bushes, which should be checked along with the offside front track rod end that showed slight play back in January 2022. That advisory was never revisited in subsequent tests, so its current condition is unknown. Beyond the flagged items, a physical inspection should focus on structural rust around the sills, subframe mountings, and rear suspension spring seats, common failure points on high-mileage Trafics. The exhaust system should be examined for corrosion, particularly around joints and hangers, given the mileage accumulated. Brake disc thickness and caliper operation need checking, especially at the rear where binding calipers are a known issue on this model. The persistent windscreen damage, while currently passing, will eventually require replacement and could mask underlying frame or mounting point deterioration. This van has been worked hard and serviced reactively. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly advised before committing.