2012 Renault Master 2.3L Diesel · TM06 ASM

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 29 September 2025 with a single advisory concerning the nearside rear brake disc being worn, pitted, or scored though not seriously weakened at that point. Reviewing the pattern across the last five tests reveals a gradual accumulation of advisories rather than any outright failures, which suggests a vehicle that has been broadly maintained but is beginning to show signs of age-related wear across braking and suspension components. The progression from a clean pass in 2021 and 2022, to advisories on rear brake pads in 2024, and now a brake disc advisory in 2025, indicates a maintenance trend that is stable but incrementally worsening, typical of a high-mileage commercial platform reaching the point where consumable components require closer monitoring. With 196,546 miles recorded over fourteen years, this Renault Master is averaging roughly 14,000 miles per year, which is a substantial workload for a vehicle of its class and substantially higher than average private-car usage. This level of annual mileage implies that wear-sensitive components such as clutch assemblies, turbocharger components (if diesel), dual-mass flywheels, suspension bushes, springs, and engine mounts have absorbed considerable stress. The absence of any extended gaps in the MOT record suggests the vehicle has been in regular service throughout its life rather than left standing for long periods, which is generally favourable for mechanical health but does mean that fatigue-related issues, particularly in driveline and suspension hardware, should be expected at this stage. The recurring brake-related advisories from 2024 and 2025 warrant close attention. On inspection, the nearside rear disc should be measured for remaining service thickness and checked for lipping, hot spots, or corrosion between the disc and hub face, while the offside rear disc should receive the same scrutiny despite no advisory being recorded, as uneven wear across an axle is common. A test drive should be conducted with deliberate attention to brake feel, listening for any juddering through the pedal or steering wheel under moderate to firm application, and watching for any pulling to one side which could indicate a binding caliper. The front lower suspension arm ball joint play flagged in 2023 is particularly significant given the mileage, as play in these joints tends to progress and can manifest as clonking noises over speed humps, vague steering response, or uneven front tyre wear, particularly on the inside or outside shoulders. The component should be physically checked for any movement when the wheel is levered with a bar, and the associated bush condition should be examined for cracking or deterioration. Beyond the recorded advisories, a prospective buyer of a fourteen-year-old high-mileage Master should carry out several age- and use-appropriate checks regardless of MOT outcome. The tyres warrant examination for tread depth and, critically, for sidewall cracking or perishing from age, as rubber degrades with time even when mileage is moderate. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as a unit of this age is likely approaching the end of its service life and may struggle in cold conditions. Brake caliper slide pins and handbrake mechanisms should be checked for free movement, as seized calipers are a common failure mode on commercial vehicles that see heavy use. Fluid condition should be verified, with brake fluid ideally replaced every two years regardless of mileage due to its hygroscopic nature, while coolant, power steering fluid, and any manual gearbox or clutch fluid should be inspected for colour and contamination. Finally, the service book should be reviewed for consistent stamp history at appropriate intervals, the exhaust system should be examined for corrosion at joints and mounting rubbers, and a thorough check underneath for fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, and differential is essential given the accumulated mileage and likely prolonged service life.