2010 Renault Trafic 2.0L Diesel · OU10 AVM

A chronic pattern of front suspension and engine sealing wear defines this Trafic's recent MOT record, with the most recent test on 6 May 2026 passing only after both front suspension arm pins or bushes were flagged as worn. That advisory represents a continuation of an underlying front-end deterioration trend, joined on the previous year's pass by an engine oil leak that had already been noted at the 2024 test and persists into 2025, where it was recorded alongside nearside and offside front tyres worn close to the legal limit on their edges. A fail was issued at the 15 April 2025 test solely for an inoperative windscreen washer, but the same advisory list was carried forward when it subsequently passed that same day, confirming the leak and tyre wear items remained unaddressed. The fact that the 2023 test was entirely clean yet every subsequent test has carried advisories suggests mechanical wear is now accumulating at an accelerating rate, particularly across the front axle and upper engine areas. At 171,270 miles over sixteen years, this vehicle has covered roughly 10,700 miles annually, placing it squarely within typical usage expectations for a light commercial of this age. However, the absence of any recorded MOT tests prior to April 2023 in the supplied history means there is no visibility into the vehicle's condition during its first nine years on the road, which for a working van of this profile often translates to significant wear on clutches, dual-mass flywheels, turbochargers, and injector components that would not be captured by MOT inspection alone. Mechanical implication is that the chassis and drivetrain have absorbed a substantial working life, and combined with the now-visible front-end wear pattern, the prospects of further advisories emerging within the next twelve months are high. Buyers should pay particular attention to the front suspension geometry, as the repeated advisories on the suspension arm pins or bushes and the upper shock absorber top mount bush indicate a progressive loosening of the pivot points that locate the front wheels. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and feel for vagueness or a delay in steering response particularly over broken surfaces, as worn bushings allow the wheels to shift slightly under load before responding to driver input. With both sides now flagged, a complete replacement of the front suspension arms or a bush re-press is likely approaching, and the work should be quoted before purchase. Inspect the top mount area by pushing down firmly on each front corner with the vehicle stationary and checking for any lateral play or a knocking sensation transmitted through the body, which would indicate the shock absorber upper mount has worn beyond the advisory threshold. The persistent engine oil leak, while classed as not excessive, warrants careful inspection on a test drive as it has now been recorded across three consecutive tests, suggesting a seal that is degrading rather than a one-off weal. Check the underside of the bonnet for fresh oil misting, examine the area around the cam cover and sump for wet residue, and during the drive observe the oil pressure warning light behaviour on startup and watch for any bluish smoke from the exhaust on hard acceleration, which would indicate oil is being drawn past piston rings or valve guides. Additionally, the advisory on front tyre edge wear should prompt a check of the wheel alignment, as uneven shoulder wear on both front tyres points to either camber deviation from worn suspension components or a tracking issue that will rapidly consume replacement tyres. The washer failure is trivial, but ensure the system is now functional and that the washer pump and bottle are in good order, as it forms part of the standard MOT check.