Looking at a 2015 Renault Trafic LWB 1.6 140.
It has done a tad over 100,000 miles, so average miles for its age. In the last couple of years, its had timimg chain changed, new clutch and flywheel, discs and pads changed.
It's going to be my daily, I only do 9 miles each way to work. So know I will need to do longer drive outs to keep the dpf/adblue happy. I want a van so bikes are a bit more secure and I can carry more kit (including camping gear).
However, never had a van before, or a Renault. Quite limited knowledge on Trafics, but there has to be people on here that are running them. So let's hear your advice please.
A friend of mine does buy lots of used vans - it's on condition and maintenance. If looked after it will be fine and reliable. He currently has an older 1.9 Traffic, been owned by a MTB'er before, so lots of handy pockets in the ply lining. Look at body work and chassis condition.
I have a van, but it's a people carrier one and it's a 2021, so not ever really 'hammered'.
Petrol van?
Smaller such as a Kangoo/Kombi/Citan LWB with smaller, quicker to warm engine?
Electric van? (I suspect range is the issue here).
Yes. Bought a 2013 Bipper in 2021 with 170000 on it. The best van Ive ever had, apart from my new one I bought last year, a 2020 Partner with 107000 on it. I sold the Bipper at 200000, it was still a really good van, but too small for my needs. I've done 11000 miles in the last year in the Partner, now thats my best ever van, it drives really well.
As ever, condition is everything. Check it over thoroughly. Budget for some remedials, once they've done that mileage, the suspension will be getting worn out, the drivers seat will probably be sagging etc . Oil changes are the main thing, if they've been done regularly, its a good sign. Lack of oil changes means the engine internals may be wearing out.
100k is nothing for a 10 year old van... some do that in a year or two.
100k is nothing for a well maintained van... I know people for whom that's 18 months mileage!
That said... It's 10yrs old... It's also the weaker (and more troublesome) 1.6 engine...
How much is it...? If it's £5k, then I'd say it sounds reasonable, worth a punt if you go in informed... If it's closer to £10k then you really should be buying something newer, with the 2L engine in... It all depends!
I've got a Fiat Talento (which is just a Renault Trafic with a different badge) on a 69 plate, with the 2L 145bhp engine... Bought it recently with 85k on the clock at 6yrs old, and honestly it's superb! Conditions is everything on these though... Mine was a very well looked after, owner/driver van, not some beat up fleet special, and the condition reflects this...
As you've stated, short journeys aren't ideal though. 9 miles isn't the worst to be fair, probably manages to get fully up to temp in that time at least (under 5 would be of more concern), but you'll definitely be clogging the DPF doing lots of commuting in it so I'd recommend running Premium Diesel and a fuel additive such as Forte Diesel System cleaner every few tanks... A decent motorway journey once a week will be welcome too of course.
I've got a 64 plate Merc Viano 2.2l diesel with 136k on the clock. I'm not planning getting rid of it any time soon. As long as the rest of the van holds up I'll definitely see 200k maybe 300k....
100k is nothing for a well maintained van
Correct. We bought a 2010 T5.1 a couple of years ago that had 198k on it. It still drives like new, hardly a rattle anywhere to be found.
So let's hear your advice please.
My usual advice is that vans aren't cars. Things that you take for granted on a car, like aircon and full air baggage don't necessarily come with a van.
Have a close look at that side of things. If it appears looked after, clean, undamaged cargo area, etc then it's probably ok
My 165,000 mile Transit Connect went into a Ford dealer for a recall this week. They of course did an up selling condition check while it was there and gave it a full sheet of green ticks. No question it'll do me a good few years yet.
So, I'd have no problem with 100,000 miles, but would want to know that a 10 year old van has a proper maintenance history.
I don't think it'll have AdBlue if it's a 2015 - if you don't need a Euro 6 vehicle, that's probably the sweet spot.
If it's had a timing chain, it's probably been looked after. I wouldn't/don't have issues buying vehicles with >100k on them.
Not a van, but we've just bought a 10 yr old Fiesta for our girls to learn to drive in. It's done 110,000 miles, but it drives beautifully and looks spotless (judging by the careful touching up of stone chips, it was well looked after).
judging by the careful touching up of stone chips, it was well looked after
That's another good indication of a careful owner. Also a matching set of mid-range tyres, or at least matching on each axle.
