2016 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · SA66 PLU

The most recent MOT, carried out on 26 August 2026, was a pass but recorded several minor defects and advisories, notably a faulty off‑side registration‑plate lamp, slight play in the near‑side front anti‑roll‑bar linkage, and the rear off‑side tyre approaching the legal wear limit. The preceding day’s test had failed on the same lamp fault, severe rear‑disc wear and a near‑side rear inner pad below the minimum thickness, indicating that corrective work was undertaken between the two examinations. Over the past six years the record moved from clean passes to a growing number of suspension‑related advisories and brake wear notices, suggesting a gradual increase in component fatigue but an overall maintenance response that has kept the vehicle road‑worthy. At ten years old the van has logged 141,858 mi, averaging roughly 14,200 mi per annum. This mileage is well above the typical 8‑10 k mi per year expected for a light commercial vehicle and points to sustained, possibly commercial, use. The high annual utilisation accelerates wear on consumables such as brake discs, pads, tyres, and suspension bushings, and can also hasten engine oil and coolant degradation. There are no evident mileage gaps that would imply long periods of inactivity, so the wear pattern is likely to be consistent rather than the result of intermittent storage. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular attention to the front suspension and anti‑roll‑bar assemblies. The repeated advisories about slight play in the front ball joints, suspension arm, and anti‑roll‑bar pins mean you should feel for any clunk or looseness when applying firm steering inputs, driving over bumps, or during hard cornering. Examine the steering rack for any uneven resistance and listen for knocking noises that could indicate worn bushings. The rear brake discs were flagged as “significantly and obviously worn” and the inner pad on the near‑side was below the safe thickness, so request the current disc thickness measurements and inspect the pads for uneven wear or glazing. During a test drive, note any brake pedal pulsation, shudder, or a spongy feel, especially after a few stops from speed, as these are early signs that the discs may be close to the end of their service life. Also verify that both rear tyres have sufficient tread depth and are free from sidewall cracks; the off‑side tyre was already close to the legal limit, so replacement of both rear tyres may be prudent to maintain balanced handling. Beyond the specific faults, the van’s age calls for a comprehensive age‑related check. Inspect the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and test the charge, as a ten‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Look for any signs of fluid leaks – oil, coolant, and brake fluid – especially around the engine bay and under the chassis, since seals can deteriorate with mileage and time. Verify that the service book shows regular oil and filter changes, coolant flushes, and timing‑belt or chain maintenance if applicable. Finally, confirm that all external lighting, including the registration‑plate lamps, operates correctly, and examine the body for rust, particularly around wheel arches and the under‑tray, as prolonged exposure to road salt can compromise structural integrity on older commercial vehicles.