2016 Renault Master 2.3L Diesel · SB66 NSZ

A pattern of brake pipe corrosion, steering wear, and body damage dominates the MOT history of this high-mileage Renault Master, with the trend having only marginally improved at the most recent test on 3 February 2026 which recorded a clean pass following a prior failure. The earlier 2025 test cycle exposed significant structural and safety concerns: the January 2025 advisory pass noted a coolant leak and slight steering rack free play, while the January 2025 failure the same month flagged an excessively corroded offside front-to-rear brake pipe, a non-functioning nearside stop lamp, a damaged nearside rear body component, and the same coolant leak and steering play advisories. The subsequent January 2026 failure specifically identified excessive wear or play in the lower steering column universal joint, suggesting that steering wear noted the previous year was not merely a marginal advisory but progressed into a major mechanical defect. Across the 2024 and 2025 tests, brake pipe advisories were repeatedly logged on both rear pipes and on the master cylinder to ABS pump line, indicating a chronic corrosion issue across the braking hydraulic system that has now escalated into at least one major failure. With 200,736 recorded miles accumulated over roughly a decade of use, this Master averages around 20,000 miles annually, a notably high figure that places sustained mechanical demand on suspension, braking, and drivetrain components. There are no extended gaps in testing history that would suggest long periods off the road, meaning the recorded mileage can be considered broadly continuous and the wear indicators logged against the vehicle are likely representative of working rather than stored condition. High annual mileage on a commercial platform vehicle of this type accelerates consumption of steering and suspension linkages, brake discs and pads, and encourages corrosion development on underbody hydraulic and fuel lines, particularly in winter salt exposure conditions. The repeated brake pipe advisories and the eventual major brake pipe corrosion failure align consistently with this heavy-use profile, as does the steering column universal joint wear, both being known wear points on high-mileage commercial vehicles. A prospective buyer should approach this vehicle with direct attention to the flagged systems rather than relying on the clean February 2026 pass alone. Inspect all visible brake pipes along the chassis, paying particular attention to the front-to-rear run, the master cylinder to ABS pump section, and both rear pipes where flaking, bubbling, or pitted metal may still be present even after the recent repair. Carry out a low-speed lock-to-lock steering check listening for clunks or catching from the lower column universal joint and feel for any slack, wandering, or uneven self-centring that could indicate incomplete repair of the steering linkage. Examine the nearside rear body area for evidence of the previously noted damaged component and confirm any repair has restored structural integrity rather than cosmetic appearance only. Test for coolant system pressurisation by checking the expansion bottle for residue, inspecting under the coolant pipes for fresh staining, and monitoring temperature behaviour under load, as the persistent coolant leak advisory could indicate a hose, joint, or water pump seal issue. Finally, given the sustained high mileage, verify that recent servicing has addressed suspension bushes, drop links, anti-roll bar mounts, and that brake discs show adequate material remaining, as these wear items are likely approaching replacement thresholds if not already renewed.