2017 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · TM03 PRO

The most recent official DVSA test on 22 April 2025 resulted in a PASS with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating that the vehicle achieved the required standard for roadworthiness at that time. However, the broader test history warrants close attention. Two consecutive failures were recorded earlier in April 2025, followed by a pass within the same month, and a further pass on 10 April 2024 was also preceded by a failure on the same date. Although no specific defect categories are listed against these failed entries, the pattern of immediate re-tests and the clustering of failures within short intervals can suggest that the vehicle may have had defects rectified between tests, or that the owner undertook remedial work to achieve compliance. A prospective buyer should ideally request the VT30 refusal certificates from the seller to confirm the precise reasons for the previous failures, as these documents list the exact causes of failure and any associated advisories. The absence of recorded advisories across all five tests is unusual for a nine-year-old commercial vehicle and may simply reflect clean entries rather than a lack of wearable component wear. Recorded mileage stands at 128,880 miles over a nine-year period, equating to approximately 14,320 miles annually, which is notably high for a vehicle of this age and characteristic of sustained commercial or fleet use. There are no substantial gaps in the testing pattern suggesting long periods of standing, and the mileage accumulation appears consistent with a working vehicle rather than one that has been laid up. This level of annual usage accelerates wear on consumables including brake pads, brake discs, clutches, dual mass flywheels, suspension bushes, coil springs, anti-roll bar links, and drive belt components. The high-mileage nature of this Trafic also places greater demand on the diesel particulate filter, turbocharger, EGR valve, and timing belt service intervals, all of which are critical maintenance items on the Renault 2.0 dCi or 1.6 dCi units fitted to this generation. A thorough verification of full service history, including cambelt replacement evidence, is therefore essential. Given the clean advisory record but the high-mileage commercial profile, a physical inspection should focus on the typical wear items expected for a diesel van of this age and usage. Tyres should be examined for both tread depth and sidewall condition, paying particular attention to any perishing or cracking caused by age and UV exposure, as commercial vehicles often accumulate cosmetic sidewall damage from kerbing. Brake discs should be inspected for lipping, corrosion, or scoring, and a test drive should confirm there is no brake shudder, pulling to one side, or binding from seized caliper slides. The underside of the vehicle should be raised and examined for fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, power steering, and rear differential, as well as any corrosion to the exhaust system, fuel lines, or brake lines which are vulnerable to road salt attack. On the test drive, listen for suspension knocks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes, drop links, or strut top mounts, and pay attention to any clutch slip, judder, or excessive pedal travel which on a high-mileage Trafic could signal impending dual mass flywheel failure. Additional checks appropriate to a high-mileage, frequently-used commercial vehicle include verification of the 12V battery state of health, as stop-start urban cycles place heavy demand on battery longevity. The cooling system should be inspected for signs of recent renewal, as radiators, water pumps, and thermostat housings on the diesel units are known wear items, and confirmation that the coolant has been changed at the prescribed interval will help prevent premature corrosion within the engine block. Inspect the timing belt casing for evidence of recent replacement, as manufacturer schedules typically require renewal around 60,000 miles or five to six years, and given the recorded mileage this service should have been carried out at least twice. Finally, examine the load area floor for heavy wear, water ingress staining, or structural repairs which may indicate the vehicle has been used for particularly demanding commercial duties, and ensure that all in-cab warning lights illuminate and extinguish correctly during the ignition bulb check sequence, confirming that no diagnostic trouble codes have been masked before purchase.