2017 Renault Master 2.3L Diesel · SA67 FFB

The 2017 Renault Master presents a generally stable mechanical picture in its most recent years, though its earlier history reveals a period of neglect that demands careful scrutiny. The most recent MOT on 28 August 2025 at 143,820 miles passed cleanly with zero defects, a strong indicator that the vehicle is currently in sound working order. The preceding test on 26 September 2024 at 138,374 miles also returned a clean pass. This two-year run of defect-free certificates suggests the current custodian has maintained the vehicle to a reasonable standard. The trend is clearly improving when contrasted with the cluster of failures and advisories recorded between 2022 and 2023. This van has covered roughly 15,980 miles per year over nine years, placing it firmly in the high-mileage bracket for its age. The annual test-to-mileage progression tells a consistent story: 122,454 miles in September 2022, 131,459 in September 2023, 138,374 in September 2024, and 143,820 in August 2025. Each year adds between 5,000 and 9,000 miles, confirming sustained commercial or intensive private use rather than long periods of inactivity. The mileage accumulation is steady with no suspicious gaps, so there is no reason to suspect the odometer has been tampered with. High annual mileage on a large panel van of this type is not unusual, but it does accelerate wear on drivetrain, suspension, and braking components. The 2022 failure at 122,453 miles is the most concerning entry in the record. A leaking offside front Macpherson strut flagged as likely to fail represents a serious suspension defect that compromises structural integrity and handling. The tester also found disconnected brake wiring and a malfunctioning brake warning device, both of which point to a period where basic safety systems were not functioning correctly. These faults were rectified before the retest on the same day, but a buyer should still inspect the front suspension thoroughly. Check the strut tops for fresh seals, look for uneven coil spring seating, and examine the lower wishbone bushes and ball joints for play. The nearside sill damage noted as an advisory in September 2023 at 131,459 miles raises a separate concern. Cosmetic accident damage can mask deeper structural compromise on a commercial vehicle that may have been kerbed or loaded heavily. Inspect both sills for fresh welding, filler, or corrosion bubbling beneath the paint, particularly around mounting points and jacking areas. The recurring electrical faults around lighting circuits in 2022 and 2023, including inoperative marker lamps, registration plate lamps, and a rear stop lamp, suggest wiring or connector issues that may have been only partially resolved. Water ingress into rear light clusters is a common fault on the Renault Master and can cause intermittent failures that pass a static MOT but recur in service. A prospective buyer should test every lamp function, including fog lights and indicators, and check for moisture inside the light housings. The offside front tyre worn to the legal limit in 2023 hints at possible alignment or suspension geometry issues that may have persisted. Have the tracking and wheel balancing inspected, and examine all four tyres for uneven wear patterns. The brake warning device fault from 2022 also warrants a check of the handbrake switch, fluid level sensor, and ABS warning lamp operation to confirm the system is fully functional.