Renault Traffic Van, should I buy it?

[JM]

Looking at getting a bigger van than my Escort, and there is a Renault Traffic 100dci, 6 sp, in light blue! near me for sale. it's done 92k miles but has no service history with it. Priced at £2600 for an 03 plate.

Should I stay clear or is it worth it?

Any advice appreciated.

[GG89]

I know 3 people with these and they have had nothing but trouble with them including a full engine rebuild and a couple of steering racks.

[xrv]

Do they not have a gearbox thats made of chocolate?

[Graebob]

Nobody I know in couriering runs one, and I know people who run the Maxus.

Wouldn't bother if I were you.

[300KPH]

I would say a definite no, Ive seen them throw numerous engine issues and while you can argue this is down to below par maintenance other makes of van with even less servicing can stay going. As already pointed out the gearbox is also a major issue with that van which I think is a pity cause I think they are a pretty good van to drive, the tall 6th gear allows a 90mph cruise at only around 3000rpm. What I will say from my experience of this van is yes you van buy a relatively cheap newish one, and it may go perfectly for you for the next four years but based on odds, it probably wont

[MGZRod]

Berlingos are where its at these days.

[Nickyboy]

GG89 said:

I know 3 people with these and they have had nothing but trouble with them including a full engine rebuild and a couple of steering racks.

I'll +1 that, 2 friends of mine have them, one has had nothing but trouble with his and the other had his all but written off by the garage he bought it from saying they couldn't fix the faults and replacement parts would cost 1.5x what he paid for it

[Lukey223]

My step dad ran one up to 130,000 miles where after numerous problems it eventually needed a full engine rebuild. A few weeks in the garage, a 3 mile drive home and this happened:



Of course, it could have been down to negligence by the garage, but the important thing is that it needed an engine rebuild at that mileage on a van which had been routinely serviced and well looked after.

[JM]

Thanks for the replies so far, not what I was expecting to read!
I tried a search, but it's not working, but the Google search on PH showed decent reviews for the Traffic and the other derivatives of it.

The guy selling it (dodgy trader) said it crunched going down to second gear, "as they all do" I know someone who has one of a similar vintage, so I'll be asking him tomorrow about it too.


Bump for the day-shift.

Edited by JM on Thursday 23 September 13:59

[JM]

Bump for the day-shift?

Any opinions in favour of a Traffic?

Also what about things like timing belt, does it have one? How often to change? Is it an expensive job?

Ta.