1997 Renault Trafic 2.2L Petrol · R415 BDL
1997 Renault Trafic (2.2L, petrol). First registered 01/09/1997. Recorded mileage 58,387 miles. MOT valid until 09/06/2027. Taxed until 01/04/2027.
- Make & Model
- RENAULT TRAFIC
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 09/06/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/04/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 58,387 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 1997
- Engine
- 2165cc
R415 BDL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 11/06/2026
- 58,387 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
R415 BDL Mileage History
- 05/04/202455,270 mi
- 05/04/202455,276 mi+6 mi
- 28/05/202557,152 mi+1,876 mi
- 18/05/202658,385 mi+1,233 mi
- 11/06/202658,387 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 1,428 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
R415 BDL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Renault Trafic (R415 BDL) between April 2024 and June 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 11 June 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (3 issues), Steering (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt STEERING RACK BOOT IS SPLIT AND LEAKING (”; “Offside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”; “Nearside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with significant caution unless a thorough mechanical inspection can be performed. While the mileage is impressively low for its age, the history of steering- issues and corrosion suggests a vehicle that requires diligent maintenance.
The primary focus for any buyer should be the steering system. This vehicle has failed MOTs for split steering rack gaiters multiple times (2024 and 2026), indicating a recurring issue. Ensure the steering rack itself has been properly serviced and not just patched, as a full replacement can be costly. You should also ask for a full service history to verify if the 2.2L petrol engine has been maintained regularly despite the low mileage.
Check the bodywork for rust. The MOT records specifically note corrosion on the front panel, suspension mountings, and underbody. Given the age of a 1997 registration, ensure that the structural integrity is not compromised by deep rust. Test all electrical components, as the vehicle has a history of inoperative indicators, hazard lights, and fog lamps failing during MOT tests.
Equipped with a large 2165cc petrol engine, this van is not designed for economy-focused driving. Expect high fuel consumption compared to modern diesel equivalents. Tax and insurance will likely be low due to the age and engine power output, respectively.
Maintenance costs may be sporadic due to the age of the vehicle and the history of oil leaks and steering issues. Estimate an annual running cost including fuel and basic maintenance to be between £1,200 and £1,600.
Look closely at the steering rack and boots. The history shows repeated failures for split gaiters; check for grease leaking from the steering rack, which would indicate a failing internal seal. Also, inspect the engine bay for the 'not excessive' oil leak mentioned in the June 2026 MOT to ensure it isn't worsening.
Examine the chassis and suspension mounting points. The MOT history flagged corrosion on the front panel and suspension mounting areas previously. Check for bubbling paint or flaky metal which indicates structural rot. Finally, test the entire wiring loom and bulbs, as the vehicle has shown multiple electrical-related MOT failures in the past.
This 1997 Renault Trafic is a low-mileage example, having covered only 58,387 miles in nearly 30 years. However, the MOT history reveals a pattern of mechanical neglect, specifically regarding the steering rack and recurring electrical failures. While it has recently passed its test, the presence of oil leaks and structural corrosion indicates it is reaching a stage where age-related wear becomes critical.
The late-90s Renault Trafic with the petrol engine is generally robust but prone to rust and electrical-gremlins as they age.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (R415 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as R415BDL.
PIAGGIO
PX 200 E
NISSAN
MICRA
SUZUKI
GSF600
TOYOTA
HIACE
MAZDA
MX-5
YAMAHA
YZF-R1
BMW
528
YAMAHA
XJ600
TOYOTA
HI-ACE
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
BENTLEY
BROOKLANDS
YAMAHA
YZF600