2015 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · PA52 ARM

Front‑end wear dominates the vehicle’s MOT story: recurring tyre tread approaching the legal limit, persistent light oil misting from both front shock absorbers, and a history of severe front‑track rod end play and a dangerous wheel bearing that forced a failure in 2023. Although the most recent test in June 2026 was a pass, the pattern of front‑suspension and tyre advisories suggests that the vehicle has required repeated attention to its steering and damping components, and that the earlier catastrophic failures have been remedied but may re‑appear if underlying wear is not addressed. At 122,239 mi the van averages just over 11,000 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal commercial‑van usage for a 2015 model. The MOT record shows no long gaps in testing, indicating a fairly regular usage pattern rather than extended periods of storage. This moderate annual accumulation means that consumables such as brakes, tyres and suspension bushings are likely to be in a mid‑life state, but the cumulative mileage still places the vehicle well into the wear phase for components that are not routinely refreshed. Prospective buyers should give the front steering and suspension a thorough tactile inspection. On a low‑speed drive, feel for any looseness or clunking when turning the wheel left or right, and listen for grinding or humming that could indicate a lingering wheel bearing issue. Examine the shock absorbers for fresh oil stains around the mountings, as repeated misting can presage seal failure and reduced damping performance, which would be felt as excessive bounce over bumps. The corroded rear off‑side coil spring should be inspected for cracks or loss of spring rate, as corrosion can lead to reduced ride height and uneven tyre wear. Brake disc condition also warrants attention: both front inner discs have been flagged as pitted or scored, and the rear disc shows similar wear. Test the brakes for pedal pulsation, increased stopping distances, or any juddering that could indicate thinning disc thickness. Finally, verify that the front tyres are replaced promptly; the repeated advisory about tread close to the legal limit suggests the current set is nearing the end of its service life, and uneven edge wear may point to alignment or suspension issues that should be corrected before further mileage is put on the vehicle.