2022 Renault Trafic SL28 Business Blue DCI 2.0L Diesel · SW22 ABF

The defining mechanical story of this Trafic centres on its brake system, with every one of the four outer brake discs flagged for wear, pitting and scoring at the August 2025 test. The vehicle failed on that occasion, though the items recorded were advisories rather than immediate failure points, and it returned four days later to pass cleanly with no defects recorded. The most recent test on 4 August 2026 produced another pass with no advisories whatsoever, which suggests the discs were either refurbished or replaced between the two tests. For a commercial vehicle of this size and weight, brake disc wear is a routine maintenance consideration, but the simultaneous deterioration on both axles and both sides is worth noting, as it can point to aggressive use, frequent heavy loading, or simply a full service cycle having elapsed. The single minor advisory for a damaged lower windscreen on the 2025 pass is inconsequential and not a structural concern. With 46,583 miles recorded over four years, this Trafic is accumulating roughly 11,600 miles annually, which sits squarely in the typical bracket for a working light commercial vehicle of this age. There are no extended gaps in the testing record and no unusual mileage jumps between tests that would suggest clock irregularities or prolonged periods off the road followed by sudden heavy use. This steady, consistent usage pattern is generally favourable mechanically, as the drivetrain, clutch, turbo and diesel components have been kept working rather than left to deteriorate through standing. The diesel Blue dCi unit in particular benefits from regular running to keep the DPF, EGR and AdBlue systems in good health, so a van that has been earning its keep rather than sitting idle is a positive sign for the emissions and aftertreatment hardware. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas to examine on a physical inspection are the brake discs and pads on all four corners, given the 2025 advisories. Even if new discs were fitted, the calipers, guide pins and sliding mechanisms should be checked for free movement, and the flexible brake hoses inspected for cracking or swelling under the arch liners. On a test drive, listen for any scraping, grinding or pulsing through the brake pedal, particularly under firm application, which would indicate run-out or uneven pad transfer on a freshly machined disc. A vibration through the steering wheel during braking would also suggest the front discs have not been correctly refinished or are warped. Given the loading this vehicle is likely to have carried, it is also worth checking the rear suspension stub-axles and trailing arms for any play, as commercial Trafic rear suspensions are known to wear their bushings and produce knocking noises over speed bumps. The windscreen chip noted in 2025 should be inspected to ensure it has not spread, particularly if it sits within the driver’s swept line of sight, as any subsequent cracking could lead to an MOT failure at the next test. Beyond the recorded items, a buyer should listen for any diesel-specific concerns such as excessive smoke under load, rough idle, or hesitation, all of which could indicate EGR or turbo issues on higher-mileage commercial vehicles. A thorough underbody inspection is also recommended, looking for any surface corrosion on the rear axle beam, suspension arms and undertray components, as vans of this age and working class frequently accumulate minor rust that does not yet constitute an MOT failure but warrants monitoring.