2004 Renault Trafic 2.5L Diesel · WL54 ACX

The vehicle's roadworthiness shows a concerning trend of worsening structural and mechanical integrity. While the most recent test on 21 January 2026 at 204,573 miles resulted in a pass, this follows a significant failure just eight days earlier. The January 2026 failure highlighted critical safety issues, including a serious risk of track rod end detachment and exhaust fumes entering the cabin due to an injector leak. The persistence of corrosion on suspension mounting areas and the sill, noted in both the 2025 and 2026 tests, suggests a long-term issue with structural degradation that has not been fully resolved. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 9,300 miles per year. The records show steady usage from 146,594 miles in June 2018 to 204,573 miles in early 2026. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, which provides a reliable chronological view of the vehicle's decline. However, the frequency of failures, particularly the cluster of failures in late 2023 and early 2025, suggests a period of neglected maintenance where consumables and suspension components were allowed to reach a state of critical wear. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle's underbody and suspension. The MOT history repeatedly flags corrosion on the nearside rear suspension spring mounting and the front inner suspension component mounting. Given that these areas have been flagged for corrosion in 2025 and 2026, the structural integrity of the chassis must be verified. The recurring issues with suspension bushings, ball joints, and track rod ends indicate that the steering and suspension components are nearing the end of their service life. Furthermore, the recent report of exhaust fumes entering the cabin is a serious matter that requires immediate investigation to ensure the engine and exhaust system are sealed correctly. The history of brake efficiency failures and corroded brake hoses also warrants a close inspection of the braking system to ensure there is no risk of fluid leakage or mechanical binding. Finally, the presence of structural corrosion on the sill and jacking points suggests that while the vehicle is currently roadworthy, the underlying metalwork is deteriorating.