2008 Renault Trafic 2.0L Diesel · MK58 OKP

The 2008 Renault Trafic presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 1 December 2021 at 148,979 miles, passed but flagged a worn nearside front inner suspension arm bush and slight play in the offside front track rod end. These advisories, combined with a damaged nearside windscreen, suggest the vehicle has been kept on the road without addressing minor wear items. The trend is not clearly worsening, but it is not improving either. The tester noted the same windscreen damage in 2020, indicating a known, unresolved cosmetic issue that has persisted for over five years. Mileage accumulation tells a story of very light recent use. Between the September 2020 test at 136,439 miles and the December 2021 test at 148,979 miles, the van covered 12,540 miles in just over 14 months. That is a sharp increase compared to the preceding years, where annual mileage hovered around 3,000 to 4,000 miles. The 2020 test itself revealed corroded rear brake pipes and oil leaks from the gearbox seal, both of which were not flagged in the 2021 pass. This suggests either repairs were carried out or the tester applied different scrutiny. The gap between the 2021 test and today, over four and a half years with no further recorded tests, raises a significant red flag. The vehicle may have been sitting idle for long periods, which can cause brake seizure, tyre flat-spotting, and fuel system degradation. A buyer should focus on the front suspension and steering components. The 2018 failure flagged excessive play in both track rod ends and the nearside front suspension arm ball joint, yet the 2021 advisory still noted a worn suspension arm bush. This implies the ball joints were replaced but the bush wear was tolerated. Check for uneven tyre wear and clunking over bumps. The rear brake pipes were corroded in 2020, and while not mentioned in 2021, corrosion of steel brake lines on a van of this age is a recurring risk, especially if it has been standing. Inspect the underside thoroughly for structural rust, particularly around the rear chassis and suspension mounting points. The persistent windscreen crack is minor but confirms a pattern of deferred cosmetic repairs. Given the four-and-a-half-year gap in testing, a full brake fluid change, gearbox oil inspection, and a thorough check of all rubber bushes and brake lines are essential before any purchase.