2006 Renault Trafic 2.5L Diesel · RK06 AFA

The 2.5-litre dCi diesel should return approximately 30-35 mpg under mixed driving conditions, though a heavily worked van of this mileage may deliver closer to 25-28 mpg. Road tax for a diesel van of this age registered before March 2006 falls outside the current VED bands based on CO2, so you'll need to verify the exact rate, but expect £165-£265 annually depending on classification. Insurance is likely to sit in groups 7-9 for this model, costing roughly £500-£800 per year for a standard driver.

Maintenance costs are the major concern here. With 208,931 miles on the clock, expect wear items to be due repeatedly — brakes, tyres, suspension bushes, and clutch if not recently replaced. Budget £800-£1,500 per year for maintenance on top of fuel, tax, and insurance, giving a realistic annual running cost of £1,800-£2,500. Commercial Renault parts are generally affordable through factors, but labour at main dealers is pricey, so an independent specialist is the sensible choice. Diesel AdBlue systems on later Trafics can cause expensive EGR and DPF issues, though the pre-2006 2.5 dCi is generally less complex than newer variants.

The MOT history flags brake-related defects on both recorded failures — front pads wearing thin and both rear brake discs scored or pitted at the August 2025 test. Inspect all four brake discs for lipping, corrosion, and thickness, and check pad material depth. The 2024 failure noted a nearside front wheel bearing with excessive play (since tightened) and an offside windscreen washer jet providing insufficient fluid, suggesting basic maintenance was being deferred. On inspection, verify the wheel bearing is quiet under load and confirm the washer system functions correctly across all jets.

Beyond the MOT-flagged items, inspect the 2.5-litre dCi engine for oil leaks around the rocker cover, turbo seals, and sump, and check coolant condition for signs of head gasket compromise. Examine the timing belt (if fitted) or timing chain condition and replacement evidence — this is critical on a high-mileage diesel. Test the clutch for slipping under load and check the dual-mass flywheel for rattle on idle. Finally, inspect the load area floor and rear suspension for damage consistent with heavy commercial use, and examine the bulkhead for corrosion, which is a known issue on Trafics of this generation.