2010 Renault Trafic 2.0L Diesel · ML10 LBJ

A pattern of corrosion-related advisories and structural suspension concerns dominates the MOT history of this 2010 Renault Trafic, with the most recent test on 2026-08-07 producing a failure alongside advisories on brake pipes, a track rod end, and a rear Macpherson strut, suggesting an accelerating deterioration rather than a stable mechanical state. The previous test on 2026-05-13 also failed, notably under a Dangerous category for an offside rear suspension arm attachment bracket or mounting that was insecure and impairing directional stability, a defect that points to either compromised mounting points, fatigued metal, or fastener integrity issues at the rear suspension interface. Across the two most recent tests, the same nearside brake pipes, both front and rear, have been repeatedly flagged as corroded and coated in grease or similar material, indicating an ongoing concealment or masking of surface corrosion that warrants close physical inspection beneath the coating. The steering column top bearing showing slight wear in May 2026 and the engine oil leak advisories appearing in consecutive 2025 tests further reinforce an impression of accumulated wear across multiple major systems rather than isolated faults. With 188,407 miles recorded on a vehicle now around sixteen years old, the Trafic has covered roughly 11,775 miles per year on average, which is broadly typical for a working light commercial vehicle of its age and likely consistent with continuous commercial or fleet use. There are no obvious extended gaps in the MOT history to suggest a prolonged period off the road, and the mileage accumulation appears steady, which means consumables such as brakes, suspension components, engine seals, and drivetrain mounts have all been subjected to sustained service rather than long standby periods. The combination of high absolute mileage and consistent year-on-year use on a van of this design naturally concentrates wear on the front Macpherson struts, lower control arms, anti-roll bar linkages, and rear leaf or torsion components, all areas that align with the advisories recorded. For a prospective buyer, the brake pipe corrosion flagged at both nearside and offside front and nearside rear across multiple tests should be a priority physical inspection item, as the use of grease or similar material to cover corrosion can mask thinning of the pipe wall, and a thorough check should look for pitting, flaking, and any signs of weeping along the pipe runs and unions, particularly along the underside of the chassis and inside the wheel arches where road salt accumulates. The offside rear suspension arm mounting that was deemed dangerous in May 2026 requires verification that the repair has properly restored structural integrity, including welding quality, bolt torque, and the condition of the surrounding body or subframe metal, as corrosion around mounting points on commercial vans of this era is a known weakness and the same area should be examined for further rust perforation. The nearside front track rod end play flagged in 2026, combined with the slightly worn steering column top bearing, means the test drive should focus on detecting any clonking or slack through the steering over uneven surfaces, any vagueness or looseness around the straight-ahead position, and any wandering or pull that could indicate worn steering linkages. On the road, particular attention should be paid to rear suspension behaviour under load, as a working van should be driven with weight in the rear if possible to expose any knocking, abnormal deflection, or instability from compromised mountings, and the rear Macpherson strut corrosion advisory should be cross-referenced with a physical inspection of the strut body for surface rust scale and any signs of weakening near the spring seat. Engine oil leaks, noted as not excessive but present on multiple occasions, warrant a check of the sump, cam cover, and rear main seal areas for fresh seepage, and the underside should be inspected for active dripping when the vehicle is warm. The slightly noisy nearside front wheel bearing recorded in 2025 should manifest as a humming or droning noise that rises and falls with speed and may change when cornering, which would confirm progression and the need for replacement. Finally, the central rear non-obligatory stop lamp failure on the most recent test is a minor electrical item but worth confirming functional before purchase, and a general scan for any warning lights on the dashboard would help identify issues beyond those captured during the MOT cycle.