1998 Renault Master 2.5L Diesel · S658 AJK

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 26 February 2026, though the test recorded two advisories concerning inner integral body corrosion on the nearside and offside front outriggers, both deemed not to significantly reduce structural rigidity, alongside an advisory for slight play in the offside front wheel bearing. Looking at the broader picture, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but punctuated by recurring structural concerns, with the earlier 2025 test showing a previous Major failure for offside body corrosion and substandard service brake efficiency, the latter of which is concerning as it indicates a potential decline in braking performance that warrants careful evaluation. The fact that the vehicle passed on its subsequent attempt in 2025 suggests remedial work was undertaken, but the persistence of body corrosion advisories across multiple tests indicates an ongoing issue that a buyer should not overlook, particularly given the vehicle's age and light commercial heritage. With approximately 131,621 miles recorded over 28 years, the vehicle has covered only around 4,700 miles annually, which is exceptionally low and likely indicates either prolonged periods of standing or genuinely light usage. Such a low annual mileage figure carries specific mechanical implications, as extended standing periods can lead to brake disc corrosion and caliper binding, deterioration of rubber components such as bushes, hoses, and seals through dry rot rather than wear, and 12V battery degradation. Conversely, the low mileage suggests that major wear items such as the clutch, drivetrain, and engine internals should be relatively sound, provided the vehicle has been properly serviced. A significant observation is that the MOT history shows a gap between 2021 and 2022, and the mileage accumulation rate between recorded tests should be examined on the V5C and service documentation to verify the vehicle has not been used far more intensively than the average suggests. The recurring advisories relating to corrosion throughout the MOT history are the most significant concern for a prospective buyer, with multiple references to inner sills, outriggers, and structural mounting areas showing progressive deterioration. On inspection, it is essential to examine the offside front suspension mounting area closely, given the 2024 Major failure for excessive corrosion reducing structural strength and the subsequent underseal repair, as well as the rear leaf spring shackle bracket noted in 2022 which may have worsened. The offside front wheel bearing play, flagged in both 2025 and 2026, requires particular attention; on a test drive, listen for a humming or growling noise that changes with cornering, which would indicate the bearing is nearing the end of its service life. The 2025 brake efficiency failure, despite a subsequent pass, means the braking system should be thoroughly evaluated, ideally with a roller brake test, looking for any pulling to one side, spongy pedal feel, or insufficient stopping effort. The brake pipe clip advisory and previous battery insecure defect also point to general under-bonnet and underside tidiness that may reflect the overall maintenance standard. Given the vehicle's age and low mileage profile, a prospective buyer should undertake a thorough physical inspection beyond the MOT record. Tyres of this age are highly susceptible to sidewall perishing and cracking even if tread depth remains adequate, so all four tyres and any spare should be examined for hairline cracks in the rubber compound, with replacement strongly advised if cracking is evident. Brake discs, having potentially sat unused for extended periods, may show significant surface corrosion and lipping, and the calipers should be checked for seized pistons or sliding mechanism binding by ensuring the vehicle rolls freely when unbraked. All fluid systems require calendar-based servicing regardless of mileage, so the brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil should be checked for condition and age, with a fresh service being prudent if records cannot confirm recent changes. The 12V battery is particularly vulnerable in low-use vehicles and should be load-tested. Finally, given the prevalence of structural corrosion advisories, a thorough examination of the vehicle on a ramp is highly recommended to assess the true extent of any chassis and bodywork corrosion, paying particular attention to the areas repeatedly flagged in the MOT history, as what may pass as an advisory today could readily progress to a Major failure at the next test.