2016 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · S55 LDG

Chronic suspension wear and a pattern of critical safety failures define the mechanical history of this vehicle. While it achieved a pass on 2026-06-29, this followed a failure just days prior involving a fractured rear coil spring, a worn Macpherson strut bush, and a shock absorber with negligible damping. This trend of deteriorating chassis components is preceded by dangerous brake pad wear and structural tyre failure in previous years, indicating a trajectory of increasing mechanical fatigue. An accumulation of 169,201 miles over approximately ten years represents a high annual usage rate of roughly 16,920 miles. This level of sustained use typically accelerates the wear of drivetrain components and heavy-duty consumables. In the context of a commercial vehicle, such mileage increases the likelihood of fatigue in the suspension geometry and structural corrosion, which aligns with the recurring failures recorded in the chassis and braking systems. Particular attention must be paid to the suspension and steering systems during a physical inspection. The record shows a history of issues with the nearside front Macpherson strut and shock absorbers, as well as a fractured rear coil spring. On a test drive, listen for knocks or clunks when traversing uneven surfaces and feel for excessive bouncing or a lack of stability, which would indicate insufficient damping from the shock absorbers. Check for any steering vagueness or play that could relate to the previously flagged track rod end. The braking system and tyre condition also require scrutiny given the dangerous failures recorded in 2024 and 2025. While these were addressed for the MOT, the previous record of pads worn below 1.5mm and worn discs suggests a need to verify the current remaining thickness of the friction material and the surface condition of the discs. Additionally, the current advisory regarding corrosion on the offside rear coil spring should be inspected for further rust spread across the rear axle and subframe, as this often indicates wider structural oxidation.