2005 Renault Trafic 1.9L Diesel · RA55 LFY

The vehicle presents a concerning state of roadworthiness with a trend of worsening mechanical wear and structural degradation. While it passed the most recent test in November 2024 at 169,397 miles, it did so only after addressing a failure related to a headlamp. The record reveals a persistent failure to resolve underlying steering and suspension issues, specifically steering rack inner joints and multiple ball joints. The presence of an ongoing oil leak and recurring brake issues suggests that maintenance is reactive, meeting only minimum legal requirements rather than proactive preventative care. At 169,397 miles over 21 years, the vehicle averages approximately 8,000 miles per year. This low annual mileage is typical for a commercial vehicle of this age, yet the data shows a significant gap in usage with only 2,047 miles covered between November 2023 and November 2024. This low mileage has not translated to good condition; instead, the history of noted structural corrosion and corroded components indicates that the vehicle has likely suffered from environmental damage or long periods of standing, despite the relatively low distance driven. A buyer must conduct a rigorous inspection of the structural integrity, as the tester has flagged body corrosion in both 2022 and 2023. The mention of corrosion on the outriggers and general structure suggests a high risk of deep-seated rust failure in the future. Furthermore, the front suspension is a point of concern; the record shows a history of play in the rack inner joints, anti-roll bar joints, and track rod ends, which will affect handling precision and accelerate tyre wear. The braking system requires immediate attention due to documented reports of a corroded rear brake pipe, a binding nearside rear caliper, and a twisted offside rear hose. These faults, combined with the recurring reports of tyres worn to the legal limit, indicate that basic consumable maintenance is frequently neglected. Any prospective purchaser should verify the severity of the reported oil leak to ensure it is not masking a major engine failure that would render the vehicle's low mileage unsustainable.