Used Renault Trafic for sale: everything you need to know

The Renault Trafic has been around since 1980, but when the second-generation model launched in 2000, co-developed alongside the Nissan Primastar and Vauxhall Vivaro, it offered something unusual in the panel van market: style. The current Trafic launched in 2014 and follows its predecessor’s lead, and has only improved over time.

It remains a competitive van too, if not quite a class-leading one, with some rivals offering a greater payload and more variety to the models available. Once again, the Trafic is available under different names from other manufacturers - notably as the Vauxhall Vivaro until 2018 when Vauxhall became part of the rival Stellantis group, and the current Nissan Primastar - but you’re looking at a Renault van whichever model you choose.

It’s a crowded market, with the Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen Transporter the most prominent alternatives - each offering something a little different, from keen driving characteristics to a classy interior. The Trafic may still be appealing for some users, however.

Should you buy a Renault Trafic? 

The latest Renault Trafic emerged in 2014, replacing the model that had endured since 2000, while a significant overhaul in 2019 ensured the Trafic kept up with its closest rivals in terms of engines and features.

The big news at that facelift was the introduction of the rance of 2.0-litre dCi turbodiesel engines you’ll find in the van today, with a trio of power outputs and the availability of both manual and automatic gearboxes, depending on the engine. These engines put a real pep in the Trafic’s step and are a definite improvement over the old 1.6 dCi, so they’re well worth seeking out if you’re looking for a used van. The automatic in particular is impressive, with smooth and well-timed shifts.

Renault didn’t feel the need to tweak the suspension much, which means the Trafic remains a fine-handling van, and one that also rides bumps very well, in typical French style. In fact, it’s a comfortable van overall, particularly since the 2019 facelift improved both the dashboard and the seats and added more equipment. It’s not the best interior on the market, and lacks useful storage cubbies, but the refined cabin pairs well with the new engines.

As for the van’s carrying ability, that depends, just as it does with all vans, on the variant you select. The larger Renault Master allows the maker to cover longer wheelbase and higher roof options, so the Trafic range is pretty simple, with two wheelbase options and a single roof height, designated L1H1, and L2H1. A crew van with six seats across two rows is the third option, using the same wheelbase and cabin length as L2H1, though naturally some of the load bay is taken up with these seats.

The Trafic doesn’t quite have the same breadth to its range as some of its rivals - the Volkswagen Transporter offers a more powerful engine option for instance, though to the Trafic’s credit, its load space in the long-wheelbase variant beats that of the Transporter. The Trafic currently lacks an electric version, like the E-Tech variants of the smaller Kangoo and larger Master, and rivals from Ford and Stellantis, but one of those is on the way soon, with a 149-mile range.

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What’s the best used Renault Trafic model to buy?

If you’ve got the budget it’s well worth seeking out a post-2019 Renault Trafic, to benefit not just from the improved quality and features but also the 2.0-litre dCi engines with their more usable low-end torque characteristics. The more powerful variants naturally get down the road a little quicker and offer even more torque, but even the basic one is more powerful than either the entry-level Transit Custom or Volkswagen Transporter.

In terms of specification, the Trafic is also impressive at the low end. Seek out higher trim levels if you seek some of the extra kit they come with, but the Advance model is once again better-equipped than its closest rivals.

Used Renault Trafic fuel economy and performance

• Renault Trafic Blue dCi 130: The first of three diesel engines in the current Trafic range is based around a 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder, replacing the old 1.6. It makes 130PS through a standard six-speed manual gearbox. Renault quotes a 0-62mph time of 14.3 seconds, and up to 40.9mpg combined.
• Renault Trafic Blue dCi 150: The extra horsepower of the dCi 150 provides extra performance. Renault hasn’t released figures for the manual model, but the six-speed EDC automatic gets from 0-62mph in 11.6 seconds, and manages 40.4mpg, with the manual getting the same 40.9mpg as the dCi 130.
• Renault Trafic Blue dCi 170: Available only with the EDC gearbox, a dual-clutch automatic, the 170PS dCi covers 0-62mph in a brisk 10.6 seconds, with 39.8mpg combined economy.

What used Renault Trafic trim levels are available?

The Renault Trafic certainly has good equipment levels on its side, with even the base Advance grade getting the kind of kit that you have to take one or two steps up in the range of other vans to get your hands on. It should cover the needs of most drivers, though the Extra and Extra Sport grades do get some useful extra toys, plus access to some engines not available on the Advance.

• The Renault Trafic Advance is where the Trafic range starts. You get 16-inch steel wheels rather than alloy, and a simple 3.5-inch monochrome driver display, but it’s otherwise very well equipped, with air conditioning, an 8-inch touchscreen, LED headlights, and cruise control - features that not all rivals offer in their base models.
• The Renault Trafic Extra gets all the kit from the Advance, plus faux-leather steering wheel trim, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, front fog lights, and a 4.2-inch driver information display instead of the 3.5-inch item in the Advance.
• The Renault Trafic Extra Sport features its own style of alloy wheels, keyless go, front and rear parking sensors and a parking camera, and climate control.

Used Renault Trafic dimensions and boot size

The Renault Trafic’s dimensions are:

• Length: 5080-5480mm
• Width: 1956mm (without mirrors), 2283mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1967-1971mm
• Ground clearance: 160mm

The Renault Trafic’s load capacity is:

• 5.8 cubic metres, 1227kg payload (L1H1)
• 7.75 cubic metres, 1251kg payload (L2H1)
• 4.0 cubic metres, 1284kg payload (crew van)

Used Renault Trafic road tax

Vans are subject to a flat rate of tax, unlike their car counterparts. For the 2023/2024 tax year, that means an annual bill of £320, whichever spec of Trafic you choose, or £176 for six months.

How much is it to insure a Renault Trafic?

Van insurance rates are highly variable depending on not just the configuration of the van itself, but also how it’s likely to be used - so you’ll need to check insurance on an individual basis to see how much a Renault Trafic will be to insure.

Read our full Renault Trafic review