2005 Renault Trafic 1.9L Diesel · RL54 KOW

The 2005 Renault Trafic presents a clean bill of health on paper, with the most recent MOT pass recorded on 26 January 2026 at 92,669 miles showing zero defects. That test sits just under five months old as of today, making it a highly current indicator of roadworthiness. The maintenance trend is stable and, by the evidence, improving, as the van has passed every recorded test since January 2023 with no advisories or failures. The only anomaly is a second entry on the same date in January 2026 showing a pass with no defects, which likely reflects a retest following a minor rectification or administrative re-record, but no actual fault was documented on either submission. The mileage pattern tells a consistent story of light use. At roughly 4,413 miles per year over 21 years, this is well below the UK average. The annual tests show steady accumulation: 78,712 miles in January 2023, 81,315 miles by February 2024, 86,930 miles in January 2025, and 92,669 miles in January 2026. That is a gain of approximately 5,600 miles between 2023 and 2024, then 5,615 miles between 2024 and 2025, and 5,739 miles between 2025 and 2026. The rate is remarkably consistent, suggesting regular rather than sporadic use, with no sudden jumps that would indicate a period of heavy commercial work or long idle stretches that could cause its own problems like dried seals or flat-spotted tyres. Despite the clean MOT record, a buyer should still inspect the underside for surface corrosion on the chassis rails, outriggers, and suspension mounting points, as vans of this age are prone to structural rust even with low mileage. Check the condition of the suspension bushes and coil springs for perishing, which age degrades regardless of mileage. Examine the brake discs, pads, and calipers for uneven wear or binding, and verify that the exhaust system is free from corrosion or leaks, particularly around the flexi-joint and mounting rubbers. Tyre condition and date codes deserve attention too, as older tyres with adequate tread can still present a safety risk if the rubber has hardened beyond five or six years. The absence of any flagged defects across five consecutive tests is a strong positive signal, but MOT records only capture a snapshot on test day. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, including a road test and a thorough underbody examination, remains the sensible course before committing to this vehicle.