2015 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · OV15 HTX

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 11 May 2026, although the overall maintenance trend suggests a vehicle being kept to a basic legal minimum rather than a preventative standard. While the vehicle has successfully passed its recent tests, there are recurring advisories regarding an oil leak and the condition of the rear brake discs that have persisted since 2025. The history of failures related to suspension arm ball joints and anti-roll bar linkages indicates a pattern of wear and tear consistent with a hard-working commercial vehicle, where components are replaced only upon failure. The recorded mileage of 194,248 miles is high for an eleven year old vehicle, averaging approximately 17,659 miles per year. Such high usage typically results in accelerated degradation of the drivetrain, engine internals, and chassis components. Prospective buyers should be aware that at this mileage, the vehicle is likely to require more frequent intervention for wearable items and may exhibit more significant wear in the gearbox and clutch assembly than a lower-mileage example of the same age. Particular attention must be paid to the persistent oil leak mentioned in the last two MOT reports. During a physical inspection, check the engine bay and the underside of the sump for active seepage, as a long-term leak can degrade rubber hoses and contaminate other components. The rear brake discs have been noted as worn, pitted, or scored for two consecutive years, which suggests they are nearing the end of their operational life. On a test drive, feel for any shuddering through the brake pedal or a lack of biting precision, as pitted discs can lead to uneven pad wear and reduced stopping efficiency. The suspension history is a point of concern, with multiple failures of ball joints and track rod ends over the last few years. Listen closely for clunks, knocks, or pops from the front end when navigating bumps or turning the steering wheel at low speeds, as this indicates further play in the suspension bushes or steering rack. Additionally, the recent advisory for a perishing nearside front tyre suggests that the rubber may be aging; inspect all tyre sidewalls for hairline cracking or flat spots. Finally, verify that the battery is now securely clamped and check the service records to ensure the auxiliary drive belt, flagged as split in 2024, was properly replaced.