2016 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · MM16 YUR

A fractured front coil spring is the standout mechanical concern in this Renault Trafic's MOT record, flagged as a Major defect at the 2025-07-07 test alongside a minor registration plate lamp issue. The vehicle failed on that occasion but returned to the same test station the same day and passed, indicating the spring was replaced and the lamp rectified between tests. The 2025-07-07 pass carried no advisories, suggesting the remedial work was carried out to a satisfactory standard. However, a broken coil spring on a commercial vehicle of this age and mileage is worth treating as a potential early indicator of broader suspension wear, particularly given the front brake discs were also flagged at the most recent test on 2026-07-06. Both front discs were noted as worn, pitted, or scored, and while neither was severe enough to fail, the dual recording suggests an active wear pattern that may progress before the next MOT. With eight tests recorded between 2020 and 2026 and an accumulated mileage of 107,735 miles over ten years, the vehicle has covered roughly 10,774 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a working van of this class. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, with annual submissions consistently between late June and early July, indicating continuous use on the road rather than extended periods off-road or in long-term storage. The mileage progression implied by the regular annual testing pattern is consistent with steady commercial or fleet operation, which places predictable wear on braking components, suspension bushes, and drivetrain mountings. The lack of long lay-up periods means corrosion risks associated with standing vehicles, such as brake disc corrosion, underbody oxidation, and seized calipers, are less of a concern, but the cumulative mileage still warrants close inspection of consumable items. For a prospective buyer, the front brake discs should be the first item examined on inspection, as they have now been flagged at the most recent test for wear and surface deterioration on both sides. A test drive should focus on brake pedal feel, looking for any judder under heavy braking, which would indicate the disc surfaces have become unevenly worn beyond the advisory threshold. Given the fractured nearside front coil spring recorded in 2025, the entire front suspension should be examined for any knocking noises over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, paying particular attention to the strut top mounts, anti-roll bar drop links, and lower control arm bushes, which carry higher loads following a spring failure. The nearside front should also be checked visually for any signs that the spring was replaced with a pattern part rather than a genuine item, as commercial vehicle suspension components vary considerably in longevity. The remaining advisory history is relatively minor, with a single rear tyre wear advisory in 2024 and no further recorded issues across the other passing tests. On inspection, verify that the rear tyres match in brand, size, and tread depth, as uneven wear on a twin rear-wheel van often points to suspension geometry issues, incorrect tracking, or consistent overloading. Listen for any clonking from the rear under load, which can indicate worn leaf spring bushes or loose U-bolts on the live rear axle. Check the underside for any signs of oil misting from the engine or gearbox, and inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at the mounting rubbers and joints, as a ten-year-old commercial exhaust will commonly show surface oxidation. Finally, confirm that the registration plate lamps are fully functional across all positions, given the prior minor failure, and ensure the van is supplied with evidence of the 2025 coil spring replacement, including any invoice, as this provides reassurance that quality components were fitted.