2015 Renault Trafic 1.6L Diesel · WD64 OCK

The most recent DVSA examination on 10 July 2026 resulted in a Pass, although it was achieved only after a prior Fail on the same date for a nearside front track rod end ball joint exhibiting excessive play, and a second Fail on 4 July 2026 citing the identical steering defect. The track rod end was clearly replaced between the failed and passed tests on 10 July 2026. Looking at the broader pattern across the available history, the vehicle shows a worsening rather than stable maintenance trend, with repeated suspension and steering component failures appearing in 2024, 2025 and 2026, alongside persistent advisories for rear brake disc wear, rear coil spring corrosion, and front strut oil misting. Three advisory items carried over from the 2026 failures into the 2026 pass, indicating that while the safety-critical items were addressed, the underlying wear on consumables remains unresolved and is progressing. The recorded mileage of 114,012 miles over approximately 11 years equates to an annual average of around 10,365 miles, which is broadly typical for a light commercial vehicle of this age and consistent with the MOT test frequency. There is no evidence of significant gaps in usage that would suggest prolonged standing, nor any indication of unusually rapid accumulation that would point to commercial fleet or high-intensity operation. That said, the fact that an 11 year old commercial vehicle is still being used at a steady rate of around ten thousand miles per year is a positive indicator, as low or erratic mileage on commercial vehicles frequently leads to corrosion of brake discs, sticking calipers, deteriorated coolant and brake fluid, and perishing of rubber components such as drive belts and suspension bushes. A steady usage pattern such as this tends to keep mechanical wear proportionate rather than allowing age-related degradation to dominate. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the recurring front suspension and steering wear flagged in the MOT history. The nearside and offside front track rod ends have both been replaced in recent test cycles, and in 2024 a nearside front anti-roll bar droplink was found to have excessive ball joint play. These parts failing in quick succession on a Macpherson strut front end is a common pattern on higher mileage Trafics, often driven by worn strut top mount bearings, corroded coil springs, and weakened lower wishbone bushes allowing the steering and roll-control joints to work beyond their intended articulation. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front over speed humps and uneven surfaces, pay particular attention to any vagueness or delay in the steering response especially around the straight-ahead position, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle, particularly inner-edge feathering which typically indicates deteriorated bush geometry. A thorough inspection with the vehicle on a ramp is strongly advisable, as the advisories for front strut oil misting and Macpherson strut pin or bush wear will only become apparent under load and during wheel deflection. In addition to the steering and suspension items, the advisories for rear coil spring corrosion on both sides and rear brake disc pitting or scoring warrant close physical inspection, as corrosion-weakened coil springs on commercial vehicles are prone to fracture without warning, particularly when the vehicle is loaded, and pitted rear brake discs will typically present as brake shudder or vibration under firm pedal application. A standing vehicle check should include verification of brake fluid age, as Renault typically specify a biennial fluid change and the 2026 MOT does not record this service; coolant condition and age should likewise be confirmed, along with the timing belt or chain service interval status, as the 1.6 dCi engine fitted to this generation of Trafic has a known timing belt replacement requirement that must not be overlooked. Inspect all four tyres carefully for age-related sidewall cracking or perishing given the 2015 build date, confirm the 12 volt battery holds a stable voltage under load, and check for any signs of fluid leakage from the power steering system, the front struts, and the rear brake calipers which are known to seize on Trafics that have seen heavy urban use. Finally, verify that the track rod end replacement carried out prior to the 2026 pass was completed with a proper wheel alignment, as incorrect geometry following steering component renewal will cause rapid and uneven front tyre wear.