Used buying guide · Mid-size van · campervan conversions
The Trafic is a practical, roomy base that many converters use, and it often costs less than the equivalent VW. The engines are generally strong if they have been serviced, but a few problems come up again and again on used vans.
This guide covers the Renault Trafic problems owners report most often on used vans and campervans, what each one looks like on a viewing and what to ask the seller. Not every van will have them. But knowing where to look stops you paying for someone else’s repair bill.
Engines you’ll find: 1.9 dCi, 2.0 dCi and 2.5 dCi (2001-2014), 1.6 dCi (2014-2019), 2.0 Blue dCi (2019 on)
The Trafic shares most of its parts with the Vauxhall Vivaro (2001-2019), the Nissan Primastar and NV300 and the Fiat Talento, so a fault on one usually affects them all.
The most common problems on a used Renault Trafic
1. Gearbox bearing failure on 1.9 dCi vans
The six-speed gearbox fitted to many 1.9 dCi vans is known for bearing failure. A whine or growl in the lower gears is the warning sign, and a rebuild is not cheap.
2. Turbo and EGR faults on 2.0 dCi engines
Loss of power, whistling from the turbo and smoky acceleration are common complaints. Ask for receipts for any turbo or EGR work and watch the exhaust on a hard pull.
3. Water leaking in at the windscreen
On 2014-2019 vans, water getting past the windscreen seal has been linked to corroded injectors. Look for damp footwells and ask about any injector replacement.
4. Rust on older vans
Pre-2014 Trafics rust around the rear wheel arches, sills, door bottoms and the tailgate. Surface rust is fixable, but holes near the suspension mounts are an MOT problem.
5. Sliding door and hinge wear
Campervans have their side doors opened all day, every day. Check the sliding door runs smoothly, latches first time and does not drop when opened.
Our tip: Ask whether the van has had its timing belt done on schedule. On the older engines it is an engine-wrecking job if it is missed.
These are problems commonly reported by owners, garages and the motoring press. They are not a diagnosis of any particular van. A van with a full service history and the right repairs already done can be a very good buy.
Checking the conversion as well as the van
On a campervan or motorhome, the living area can cost as much to put right as the engine. Whatever the base vehicle, check these before you buy:
- Damp readings around windows, rooflights, lockers and the floor. Damp is the most expensive hidden problem in a camper.
- Gas appliances light and work, and the regulator hose is in date.
- Leisure battery, 12V system and mains hook-up all work and look professionally installed.
- Water pump, taps and tanks do not leak.
- Any added seats have proper fixings and belts, and the V5C body type matches the conversion for insurance.
- A pop-top or high-top roof does not leak, and the mechanism works.
Before you pay for a used Renault Trafic
- Check the history. Run the free MOT history check online and look for mileage gaps and repeat advisories. Pay for a full history check for finance, theft and write-off markers.
- Match the paperwork. The seller’s ID, the V5C and the VIN on the van should all match. Be wary of a seller who is selling for someone else.
- See it running from cold. Ask the seller not to start it before you arrive. Many faults show up in the first few minutes.
- Never send a deposit unseen. Pay only at handover, by bank transfer, once you have the keys and the V5C.
Can’t get there to see it? We’ll check it for you
SafeBuy views campervans and motorhomes for buyers across the UK. We check the seller and paperwork against the V5C, run a history and finance check, walk you round the Renault Trafic on a live video call and send you a photo report. Add our Habitation Check and we take damp readings throughout and test the gas, electrics, battery and water.
Viewing & Verify
£149 + travel
Seller and document checks, history and finance check, live video walk-round and photo report.
Viewing + Habitation Check
£299 + travel
Everything above plus damp readings and checks of the gas, electrics, battery and water.
Drive It Home
By mileage
If you buy it, we drive it to your door. Fixed quote before you commit.
A viewing is not a full mechanical inspection. We report what we can see and measure on the day, so you can decide with the facts in front of you. See the areas we cover.
Other buying guides
Looking at more than one van? Read our guides to Vauxhall Vivaro common problems and Ford Transit Custom common problems, or see every model we cover.
Questions about buying a Renault Trafic
What are the most common problems with a used Renault Trafic?
The problems reported most often are: Gearbox bearing failure on 1.9 dCi vans; Turbo and EGR faults on 2.0 dCi engines; Water leaking in at the windscreen; Rust on older vans; and Sliding door and hinge wear. Not every van will have them, so check the service history and see the van running from cold.
Is a Renault Trafic a good base for a campervan?
It can be. Renault Trafic vans are widely used for campervan conversions. The best buys have a full service history, a professionally fitted conversion and no damp in the living area.
Can SafeBuy check a Renault Trafic before I buy it?
Yes. We view the van for you, check the seller and paperwork, walk you round it on a live video call and can test the living area with our Habitation Check. Prices start at £149 plus travel.
Ready to view one? We’ll check the Renault Trafic for you
Send us the advert and we’ll reply within one working day with a fixed quote to view it for you.