2012 Renault Master 2.3L Diesel · YG12 AEA

The vehicle's roadworthiness shows signs of a worsening maintenance trend, evidenced by the significant number of failures recorded during the most recent inspection. While the April 2025 test resulted in a pass at 110,223 miles, the preceding failure on April 18, 2025, highlighted several serious mechanical issues. These included a serious fluid leak from the offside shock absorber, an excessively worn offside suspension arm ball joint, and a corroded offside front brake pipe covered in grease. The presence of grease on a corroded brake pipe often suggests an attempt to mask deterioration, which warrants closer scrutiny. The mileage accumulation appears consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 7,873 miles per year. The records show steady usage from 42,275 miles in February 2017 to the current 110,223 miles in April 2025. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would suggest long periods of inactivity, though the frequency of failures has increased in recent years. The jump from 72,940 miles in February 2020 to 85,285 miles in March 2021, and subsequently to 91,043 miles in February 2022, indicates a predictable and regular driving pattern. A prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and braking systems. The history shows recurring issues with braking components, including binding rear brakes in 2021 and 2023, and thin brake pads in 2023. Given the recent failure regarding the offside front brake pipe and the reported corrosion, a detailed check of the entire braking circuit and all fluid lines for rust or tampering is essential. The suspension also requires attention, as the 2025 failure for a leaking shock absorber and a worn ball joint suggests that other damping and steering components may be nearing the end of their service life. Finally, the recurring advisories regarding tyre wear and lighting defects suggest a pattern of reactive rather than proactive maintenance. The tester flagged multiple instances of tyres being worn close to the legal limit or having cuts, such as in 2020, 2023, 2024, and 2025. While these are consumable items, the frequency indicates that basic upkeep has occasionally been deferred. Inspecting the current condition of all tyres, including their wear patterns, and ensuring all exterior lighting is fully functional will be necessary to confirm the vehicle's immediate reliability.