Used Renault Trafic

What to know before buying: Renault Trafic

From 1 video review and 3 forum threads · updated 26/09/2026

What the reviews say

• After 100,000 km, a third-generation owner remained very satisfied: the cabin is warm in winter, air conditioning works well, the engine is quiet and sound insulation is acceptable for a commercial vehicle.[1]one source
• The same owner reported no new cabin squeaks or rattles after 100,000 km; the steering wheel and gear-lever trim remained sound, with visible wear mainly on the armrest.[1]one source
• An owner of a 2008 2.0 diesel praised its easy driving and carrying capacity; after 100,000 km of use, they rated it 9/10 and would recommend it.[4]one sourceRenault Trafic 2006–2011
• An owner of a 2005 2.0 diesel praised its stability, economy and lack of corrosion, but wanted more power in the mountains and recommended the long version.[4]one sourceRenault Trafic 2001–2006

Typical faults

• At 50,000 km, one third-generation van sagged 2 cm on the left: its front and rear springs did not withstand a persistent one-sided load, causing the vehicle to pull sideways.[1]one source

  50 000–50 000 km

• Injector trouble was reported on two 2008 2.0 diesels: one lost its second injector and ran on three cylinders, while another incurred costly repairs that not every workshop would accept.[2][4]Renault Trafic 2006–2011

  2008–2008 · 2.0 diesel

• On a 2003 1.9 dCi, damaged wiring caused numerous faults and a no-start condition; diagnosis also uncovered other dangerously deteriorated sections of the loom.[3]one sourceRenault Trafic 2001–2006

  2003–2003 · 1.9 dCi

• One owner of a 2008 2.0 diesel reported recurring handbrake-cable trouble during winter.[4]one sourceRenault Trafic 2006–2011

  2008–2008 · 2.0 diesel

Which engine and version to take

• The 2.0 diesel with a manual gearbox is the best-supported choice here: owners of 2005, 2008 and 2016 vehicles rated them 9/10 and would recommend them.[4]one sourceRenault Trafic 2001–2006Renault Trafic 2006–2011Renault Trafic 2014–2019

What to check at the inspection

• Check that the body sits level on both sides and that the van does not pull during a test drive; one third-generation example had sagged 2 cm on one side by 50,000 km.[1]one source
• On a 2008 2.0 diesel, check for smooth running on every cylinder, warning lights and injector diagnostics; two sources report injector trouble.[2][4]Renault Trafic 2006–2011
• On a 2003 1.9 dCi, thoroughly inspect the engine wiring, grounds, sensor supply and stored faults; damaged wiring caused a no-start on one vehicle.[3]one sourceRenault Trafic 2001–2006
• On a 2008 vehicle, test the handbrake cable, particularly in cold conditions, because one owner reported persistent winter trouble.[4]one sourceRenault Trafic 2006–2011
• Inspect the seat fabric and armrest: one third-generation owner's uncovered seats stained quickly, while the armrest showed wear by 100,000 km.[1]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]El Motos — Renault Trafic Owner Review: Never Regretted It! · ▶ video
2. [2]iauto.lv — Renault Trafic - Forums · forum
3. [3]iauto.lv — Problēma-Trafiks nelec. - Forums · forum
4. [4]auto.jautajums.lv — Renault Trafic atsauksmes | jautajums.lv - Auto, moto · forum

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