2018 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · RE06 ACT

The vehicle presents a stable roadworthiness profile, though the most recent MOT results indicate a shift toward wear-related maintenance requirements. While the January 2026 test at 88,574 miles resulted in a pass, the tester flagged a nearside front suspension arm ball joint with slight play alongside two rear tyres worn close to the legal limit. This follows a period of clean results in 2024 and 2023, suggesting that the vehicle is now entering a phase of higher component wear consistent with its increasing mileage. The mileage accumulation shows a significant acceleration in recent years. Between January 2022 and January 2024, the vehicle covered approximately 7,766 miles, but it has since covered over 50,000 miles in just two years. This jump from roughly 11,000 miles per year to over 25,000 miles per year explains why the vehicle moved from having no recorded defects in 2024 to showing multiple consumable and suspension issues in 2026. The current usage pattern is much heavier than its early life, which typically accelerates the degradation of suspension bushings, tyres, and braking components. A prospective buyer should prioritise a physical inspection of the front suspension system to ensure the ball joint play has been rectified and to check for any further movement in the steering components. The January 2025 record noted worn front brake discs and thinning pads, so verifying the current thickness and surface condition of the braking system is essential. Given the 2023 failure regarding a leaking offside rear shock absorber, checking all four dampers for signs of fluid leakage or uneven damping will confirm if the previous repair was comprehensive. Finally, the recent advisories regarding tyre wear on both offside and nearside rear tyres suggest that alignment or load distribution should be checked. While the history does not show any structural corrosion or serious mechanical failures, the transition from a clean record to multiple advisories in 2026 indicates that the vehicle now requires more frequent attention to its wear items. Ensuring that the recent high-mileage usage has not compromised the drivetrain or steering geometry is the most prudent course of action.