2020 Renault Trucks Master 35 LWB 2.3L Diesel · SD03 AMY

A single but significant MOT failure on this 2020 Renault Trucks Master 35 LWB sits within an otherwise unblemished DVSA record, with three clean passes accompanying the one failed test in September 2025. The failure itself was not a minor observation, as the parking brake efficiency was below the legal threshold and the rear brake pads were recorded at less than 1.5 mm thick, a condition classed as dangerous rather than merely major. The vehicle was subsequently retested six days later and passed with no defects recorded, indicating that the braking system was attended to in the interim. Two advisories were also raised on the failed test, covering wear to both rear brake discs and perishing on both rear tyres, which although not failure items in their own right point to components operating near the end of their service life at that point. The recorded mileage of 158,997 miles over six years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 26,500 miles, which is a high figure for a vehicle of this age and clearly above typical commercial or private use patterns. This level of use implies accelerated wear on the major mechanical consumables, particularly braking components, clutch and drivetrain, suspension bushes and bearings, and the tyres themselves, all of which will have been subjected to considerably more stress than a lower-mileage example. The MOT history shows annual testing continuity with no significant gaps off the road, consistent with a working vehicle that has been in regular service rather than one that has stood idle. Such high annual mileage also means that components renewed at the recent retest will have faced the same demanding workload that originally wore them out. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing area to scrutinise is the rear braking system, given that pads were replaced from a dangerously thin state and both rear discs were flagged as worn, pitted or scored. On inspection, the rear discs should be checked for runout and minimum thickness, as a scored surface that has been reused with new pads can produce brake judder or pedal vibration under heavy use. The parking brake mechanism, which was below efficiency on test, deserves particular attention to confirm full adjustment and that the caliper or drum actuator is holding correctly without binding. The rear tyres, which were showing signs of cracking and perishing at the last test, should be examined for sidewall deterioration, as age-related rubber degradation can lead to sudden failure even where tread depth appears acceptable. Given the high annual mileage, the front braking components, steering and suspension linkages, and the condition of the clutch and gearbox should all be evaluated as a priority, as these will have absorbed the bulk of the wear consistent with sustained commercial use. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, check for pulling under braking that may indicate a seized caliper or warped disc, and feel for any vagueness or looseness in the steering that could suggest worn track rod ends or drop links. The headlamp beam pattern, which was also flagged on the failed test, should be verified as correctly adjusted to ensure the vehicle remains road legal. A compression or leak-down test on the engine would be prudent given the working life already accumulated, and the condition of the timing belt or chain service interval should be confirmed against the manufacturer's schedule, as high-mileage diesel and turbocharged engines of this type are particularly sensitive to deferred timing component replacement.