2014 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · SL64 VMV

The most recent DVSA examination on 8 January 2026 resulted in a pass, with a single advisory recorded for slight play in the offside front track rod end ball joint. This is a positive immediate outcome, but the broader pattern across the recorded MOT history is mixed and warrants careful consideration. Between 2020 and 2022 the vehicle accumulated multiple major failures across consecutive tests, including a fractured offside front coil spring, a dangerous parking brake efficiency deficiency, a leaking front shock absorber, ABS and electronic stability control warning lamp faults, ineffective wiper operation, and excessive play in an offside track rod end ball joint. The more recent tests from 2023 onwards have shown a marked improvement, with clean passes recorded in 2023 and 2024 apart from minor lighting and mirror defects, suggesting that the underlying issues identified earlier have been addressed. However, the reappearance of an advisory on the same offside front track rod end ball joint in the latest test indicates that steering component wear may be an ongoing concern requiring monitoring. The recorded mileage of 93,236 miles across approximately twelve years equates to a yearly average of around 7,770 miles, which is broadly typical for its age and consistent with mixed commercial or light fleet use given the Renault Trafic's van application. The MOT record does not reveal any unusually long standing periods or extreme mileage spikes between tests, indicating regular use and therefore steady wear progression rather than the accelerated deterioration associated with very low annual use. That said, vans of this age and mileage commonly experience wear to suspension components, braking hardware, and drivetrain items at this stage of life, particularly if load-carrying duties have been involved. Buyers should therefore be alert to the typical wear items expected at this accumulated mileage rather than assuming low mileage protection. Several recurring defect themes emerge from the MOT history and should inform a targeted physical inspection. The advisories and failures relating to the offside front track rod end ball joint, the fractured coil spring, the leaking shock absorber, and worn front brake discs collectively point to front suspension and steering wear that is common on a working Trafic of this mileage. On inspection, the buyer should check for any renewed play in the track rod end by rocking the wheel with the vehicle raised, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed bumps and rough surfaces, and look for uneven inner or outer tyre wear which would indicate suspension misalignment or worn bushes. The front brake discs previously noted as worn should be examined for lipping, surface corrosion, and any tendency for the calipers to bind, which can cause pulling or uneven braking effort. It would also be prudent to inspect the coil springs visually for any signs of corrosion cracking, and to check the rear parking brake mechanism given the prior dangerous failure for insufficient efficiency, ensuring the handbrave holds firmly on an incline. Beyond the recorded defects, age and mileage appropriate checks should be carried out to verify general condition. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall perishing or cracking caused by age, particularly on any axle where standing or UV exposure has degraded the rubber compound, and confirm that the tyres are of matching type and have adequate tread depth. The 12V battery should be tested for cranking strength, as a twelve-year-old original unit is well past its typical service life. Brake fluid, coolant, and any power steering fluid should be checked for age-related degradation, with brake fluid ideally replaced regardless of interval on a vehicle of this age due to its hygroscopic nature. Examine the underbody and structural areas for corrosion, paying particular attention to suspension mounting points, the sub-frame bushes previously flagged as worn, and the ABS wiring that was noted as damaged in 2021. Finally, verify that the service book or digital service history contains regular stamps and that cambelt replacement intervals have been observed, as timing belt service is critical on this powertrain to prevent engine damage.