2018 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · SH68 FEF

The vehicle achieved a PASS at its most recent MOT test conducted on 21 October 2022, with no defects or advisories recorded on that occasion. Looking at the available test history, the only flagged item across the recorded inspections is a single advisory from November 2021 relating to slight play in the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint. The fact that this advisory did not reappear as an advisory or failure at the subsequent 2022 test is a reasonable indicator that the component either remained stable or was attended to, though it warrants physical verification given the time elapsed. Overall, with only a minor advisory in the record and a clean pass most recently, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable, though the limited number of recorded MOT entries makes a fully conclusive judgement difficult. With 140,230 miles recorded on an 8-year-old vehicle, this Trafic is covering approximately 17,529 miles annually, which is notably high mileage for its class and age. This level of usage typically translates to accelerated wear on consumables and major drivetrain components, including the clutch, dual-mass flywheel if applicable, turbocharger, injectors, and suspension components. The relatively brief MOT history provided shows no significant gaps in testing, suggesting consistent use rather than prolonged standing periods. However, the high accumulated mileage means that buyer attention should focus heavily on evidence of major mechanical interventions, such as timing belt or chain replacement, turbo servicing, and gearbox oil changes, all of which carry substantial labour costs on commercial-grade vehicles of this type. Given the advisory noted on the front anti-roll bar ball joint, prospective buyers should physically inspect this component by rocking the front wheel laterally at the bottom while raised to detect any renewed play, and listen for clunking noises over uneven road surfaces during a test drive. The anti-roll bar system on a Trafic of this mileage is also susceptible to wear in the drop links and bushes, which can manifest as knocking sounds, vague steering response, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle. On the road, any wandering instability, particularly during lane changes or cornering, could indicate further degradation of the anti-roll bar assembly or worn front suspension bushes more broadly. Additionally, listen for knocking from the front under braking or over speed bumps, as this can indicate worn top mounts, strut bearings, or coil springs, all of which endure significant stress under heavy commercial use. Beyond the advisory item, this high-mileage Trafic warrants thorough inspection of age- and usage-related items regardless of MOT outcome. The braking system should be checked for disc wear, as 140,000 miles commonly results in discs nearing their minimum thickness, and any binding calipers from infrequent use or corrosion should be assessed by ensuring the vehicle rolls freely when handbrake is released. Tyres require close scrutiny not only for wear pattern uniformity across both axles, but also for sidewall perishing and cracking given the vehicle's age, as rubber degrades with time regardless of tread depth. Under the bonnet, the 12V battery should be load-tested, as commercial vehicles often suffer repeated discharge cycles from auxiliary equipment. Finally, verify a comprehensive service history with evidence of timing belt replacement, which on Renault diesel engines is critical and typically due every 5 years or 90,000 miles, along with regular brake fluid and coolant changes, as calendar-based fluid degradation can compromise system integrity even where the MOT has not flagged specific concerns.