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These van are rubbish
Gearbox stiff in winter and will pqck in after 8 years, injectors fail and need to change all 4, really shocking how brutally cheap these vans are, how can thry get away with making and selling them.
Purchased in June 2021 for $4,000.00.
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Andrew H.Shoalhaven
- 3 reviews
Best work vehicle I’ve had in 20 yrs
Best business purchase I’ve made. Bought this new and now has over 140,000 kms, always loaded and towing heavy trailers most of the time. Never had any major issues. Never breaks down. Fantastic fuel economy. Never had gearbox issues (6 speed manual). Comfortable enough to use on weekends going to the shop. I have the long wheel base and drives like a car not a large van. I can not recommend this van highly enough. Even the price is fairly cheap for what you get. And the 2.0 diesel never feels under powered in any situation. Best work car I’ve ever owned and it’s been an asset to the business. I’d buy another one tomorrow without hesitation.
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BellaSydney
- 6 reviews
- 1 like
- Trafic X83.III (2010-2014)
- Verified purchase
Always needing to replace parts.
Our last Renault needed to have the gearbox replaced and our current one is needing a new fuel sensor gauge which is going to be expensive since it is in the fuel tank and the part itself is $500-$600.
Our local dealership closed because they were sick of always fixing these vehicles and having the same people coming in regularly with issues.
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expensive piece of trash
I had the automatic manual 2011 model and it blew a $12,000 hole in my pocket over 2 years and only 25000 kms. Every time you need a part it takes weeks to come from Europe with a thousand dollar price tag. My van only had 71,000kms when I purchased it and the slave valve went within 5,000kms! then about 10,000kms later the whole hydraulic system went which took 10 weeks to fix!!! then the alternator blew from Renault service themselves dripping oil all over it while working on the hydraulic system resulting in 3 more weeks off the road. This v...Read more
an was a headache from the second I purchased it from the gears being clunky and terrible in slow traffic to the amount of time off the road getting repaired. This is the first and last European car ill ever touch!! the services are very expensive and while the fuel consumption is low on these vans if you have one thing go wrong they cost a fortune to fix!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
They have gear box issues but I still love it
I now have 4 in the fleet and have rebuilt the gear box in 2 of them 4 times each, I do 60,000 km per year and 2 are now over 300,000km yes they have issues but they are awesome to drive and comfortable for the long drives we do, fuel efficiency is awesome and pay for the extant repairs that come up here and there. I found a great mechanic in Sydney who saved my last van and 7k off the repair bill, Hitech at mascot, ask for Gary and John great guys, I was quoted 10,500 at Renault to do the job these guys did it for 3500 and saved my van, they a...Read more
lso found the gone that has been there for 2 years. I would love to convert it to electric like what they are doing in the UK, honestly I have driven all vans and this one tops them all, you just have to learn how to deal with the issues. Not cheap to repair but I like my legs, and servicing is every 15k not 10k dont drive it like a rave car, drive it like a truck and give plenty of space and enjoy the fuel savings. 1000km per tank. And get a good mechanic and tow truck for when you need them.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
LameSunshine coast
The absolute worst get the Hyundai Iload
Won't change gears so we have to get it into a dealer. can't get into a dealer untill a month away. If you're looking at a renault for business please stay sway as Renault Australia has no say when someone could see your car. we have low mileage $77000 and already looking at a possible $12000.00 plus the cost of being without our company vehicle. Had an independent mechanic look at it and he can't believe we are having mechanical failures like this so early on with such low mileage. The are too expensive and the service is too slow for your business to rely on such an investment/liability Will Keep updated.
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Traffic hazardMelbourne
Worst transmission of any vehicle I have driven in 30 years. Nothing but troubles
Got it new. It's called an auto..it's not it is a auto shift single clutch manual. BIG difference. First problem week 2. ERG valve melted. Causing errors which were constantly reset by Renault without repair. When repaired no parts. Two weeks turn around. Next radio stopped working. Software update removed temp on display did not fix the radio. AC hose was not connected so the water from AC filled interior under the floor. Notice when stinking water poured out the back when parked on a steep hill. Next transmission issues. Poor shifts, no shif...Read more
t, missing gears, revving to the limiter before slamming into gears. Renault denied any problem. Ran into the house because it did not select reverse. Then it stopped selecting gears intermittently in traffic, stopped driving it towed to Renault they changed the ECU. Finally while driving at 80 Kph the trans blew. No drive no gears. Gearbox was replaced 3-4 weeks. Air con hose rubbed thru on a bracket Renault charged $600 to fix even though I know other vans have done exact same issue. Company runs several vans same problems to varying degrees on all of them. We are not replacing them after lease with Renault The dealer in Berwick was good. Croydon glen Waverly didn't want to know. Worst vehicle everSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Markee MAU
Great van
The renault trafic is a great van with excellent fuel economy with over 1000kms per 90 litre tank. Very attractive in my opinion and tough. The SWB van can easily swallow a full pallet with the barn doors. I wish I had a wiper on the rear but that is a small omission.
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grahamwMittagong
- 3 reviews
- 5 likes
great van
2013 model 200,000KLM and still going strong, hope it keeps going. Fuel gauge tank sensor fault but I just work off the trip counter. Economical to run carrying heavy loads. Great Van best thing I ever purchased, Touch Wood! I have ensured that regular services have been done with a Renault dealer I think this is most important. I would buy another one if Renault still had this model I don't like the twin turbo 1.6-litre option, not for me engine is too small for my liking
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Rob H.
- 3 reviews
- 4 likes
The auto is clunky
The "auto" transmission can have a very nasty shift down to first when slowly approaching a stop, and sometimes the change up to second is like a learner driver in a manual. It has been back to the dealer for a factory reset 3 times, and on the fourth, they changed the clutch. But it still happens. It also tries to change up too soon when climbing a hill, resulting in a slow-down and a change back to first - on a slippery steep driveway, this results in some wheelspin on takeoff and some nasty clutch smells.
Other than that, it is a great va...Read more
n, but the LWB has a dismal turning circle, and even with the reversing camera installed I have still nudged a couple of walls. As others have said, it needs more paperwork storage (an overhead bin like in my Kangoo!!) and the centre pax headrest neatly removes most of the rear view mirror visibility. GPS was not an option on this model, so I fitted my own.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Why waste money on these.
Don't waste your money. The auto is actually a manual with an automatic change (only the French could think this up). The hump in the roof above driver ????? Only increases vehicle height. Passenger headrest is directly behind rear view mirror. Only one sliding door. For a similar price the ILoad kills it.
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AnthonySydney, Australia
- 3 reviews
Just over 3mths old, so far so good.
Bought new in February, ive done around 6000 k's and my first ever diesel. Can't really complain about the van, does what it's supposed to do and for only a 2ltr it goes better than i expected. As a courier driver i do about 1000 k's a week and only fill up once. I got an automatic which is actually a automatic manual. I feel they need to refine it a little as if you are in a hurry and the pressure is on that auto can cause you added stress. The gear change just doesn't work like a traditional auto with smooth changes. It can be jerky and unpre...Read more
dictable even if you try to manually change gears as it won't let you change gear if it's not ready to do so. So before you buy make sure you have a test drive. I feel for a courier the manual is the way to go. As for the rest of the van, it's ok. There are a few storage places but needs more. Some are useless and i can't see what they can be used for. Could do with an arm rest for the driver or maybe have a fold down Centre seat which would work. I know there's a new revised model out soon that has many changes so hopefully some things might have been improved.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
SolSydney
- 3 reviews
- 7 likes
Very satisfied with this purchase.
This van was 10k cheaper than its competitors when purchased in Feb 2014 and has standard accessories that just make sense, such as cruise control and bluetooth hands free. The electronics system appears to be well thought out and all at the drivers fingertips. Mechanically I feel like I'm driving a well designed car. Has been used every day for work without any drama. I have done 26,000kms and it feels like the engine pulls better than when new. I carry about 400kg of tools and with a mix of highway/city driving it consistently runs at 8-8.5L per 100km. Servicing is capped, tows well for a 2L. I would buy again.
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MarshallHillville
A great work horse
I have bought a 2014 renault traficThis is a great van,6 speed manual heaps of room lots of good features such as the opening rear doors,good ride excellent handling,good economy about 6.9 hi way 7.5city a little bit quirky but it is French and you get used to it quickly
The dealer was great mc carols newcastle would recommend.
There are some very minor things ( easily fixed but in this day but why) it needs a arm rest on the drivers seat it is available on euro traffics, no temp gauge but a cool oil level monitor the seats are a bit hard b...Read more
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Luke and Sharonperth
- 3 reviews
- 11 likes
as good as it gets
i have had a Renault trafic van since the start of 2012 [I bought it new] and can't believe how good this thing is, I'm a tradie and use it most days, it's never put a foot wrong, the automated tranny witch was weird at first but once you get your head around how it works I wouldn't have anything else, it's best used in manual mode but there's no clutch pedal so you just bang it thru the gears when you want it to, it has the best cruise control around so easy to use, has a lot of room in the cabin witch is a must have also you are sitting behi...Read more
nd the front wheels & not over the motor so it drives like a car,this van is very comfortable on long trips, the blue tooth & stereo is excellent, I found my lwb has more room in the back than the others in it's class of medium vans, would I buy another one? yes I would.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
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DutchAussieMount Barker, SA
- 2 reviews
- 3 likes
Renault Trafic Touring Van
We bought a new Renault Trafic in June this year.
So far I have been very happy with the vehicle.
My wife finds the rear suspension a bit of a problem when we drive an empty van.
I am looking for a way to soften the ride.
I had to get used to the robotised gearbox shifting a bit rough when it shifts into second gear.
I am used to the very smooth gear changes of our 2007 VW Caddy.
I can recommend this vehicle.
Comfort, mileage.
5 comments
The cigarette lighter is faulty and will be replaced under warranty.
During the 12 month service no fault showed up with the brake switch.
The fault is intermittent.
The brake switch problem has been rectified during the service.
No more problems since.
The 12V socket will be replaced when I take the vehicle in next service.
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DocSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 22 reviews
Not bad van just needs soke tweaking
I have had 2 trafics first a 1.9 dci 05 model purchased second hand middle 2013 it had 157.000 k.s on the clock needed ball joints and all new engine mounts early this year at 195.000 k.s I hit a kangaroo was of the road for a month very economical was getting 1300 k.s on the open road fantastic only problem the seats are rubbish spent nearly a grand on them including new seat bases after being back to the trimmers 6 time's ended up buying a set of 03 525 bmw seats thing was finally perfect then mid June I came of second best with a car carrie...Read more
r on the way out of Victoria not a panel straight but she still drove perfectly fine got it home insurance asesor was stunned no injuries payed me out on the spot the odometer read 238.000 k.s and I was convinced the motor was only just run in Late June 14 I decided to buy another this time it's a 07 model m9r 2.0 litre engine with 120.000k.s on the clock it needed new pads and rotors 90$ for the front rotors each 130$ for the rears they came with new bearings as well pads where 100$ for front and rear I did buy non genuine but they where australian made and from local auto parts store very happy with that I did have to buy another engine mount this time it was 130$ and not the very expensive oil filled one like on the other van I also fitted my bmw seats from the other van already done 12000k.s in it very happy I love the size of it especially the drivers compartment I am 6.3 and 125 kg drives like a car does not get as good economy as the old 1.9 did 1100k.s to 90 litres but very happy with it and for the price I looked at same year Toyotas and transits they where so much more expensive not worth the extra cost in my opinion and research not to mention the Toyotas are so bouncy sitting on top of the front wheels and so small compared to it Also if id been in a Toyota when I met the car carrier I don't think I would be here today big roomy gets a lot in the back comfortable driving position factory seats are rubbish I will add more wgen its done more k.s so far thats my only complaint4 comments
Okay its now done 148,000 k,s
I had a a flash tune added last month give it some more power when carrying large loads its getting 1300k to a tank now and does not lose speed up hills in 6th gear on t... Read more
I just bought a LWB model as well to expand my fleet
For value for money hard to beat these things
I don't buy them for trade in value as I intend to drive them till they die then sell them to the s... Read more
Okay so I finally started using my new LWB trafic with built in tom tom
I have a couple words about the tom tom its rubbish in fact when it drove me around Sydney on Tuesday for 2 and half hour route that was ridiculous
... Read more
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Euro 77
- 4 reviews
- 5 likes
Buy one!
Had the swb manual Trafic for nearly 4 months now (7500km) and am very impressed. It's quiet, economical (trip computer showing 7.7L/100km) over 1100km per tank, handles well, nice smooth 6 speed gearshift, punchy diesel engine, a great sounding stereo and the stalk control for stereo and bluetooth is the best, it even looks good!
For $29990 driveaway, you will NOT buy a better van. It even reads your text messages to you. :) The only reason you would buy a Toyota Hiace is..........................
Cheap to buy, great on fuel, plenty of space...Read more
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emutownsville
ok trafic van 2013
Van is great, except for an occasional jump in second gear of the paddle shift auto, it has been there since new . Service at essendon Renault has been excellent, now have 14000km van is running like a train, i love the handling and speed, i live in tassie, so it does heaps of corners, handles fanastic on the curves, pulls up hills at the greatest of ease, i love it, it is lwb version
speed and car like handling
auto gearbox jump in second gear
2 comments
now living in Townsville, van has done three trips up and down east coast from Tassie, the only problem are windscreen hits ( one replacement, three chips fixed ), second gear still plays up sometim... Read more
es, but talking to another owner in Townsville, he has the same second gear problem. So that is the only annoyance with the whole van. It runs for 1300ks on the 90litre tank for $150 a fill . beats anything at the lights and i still love it . it is a great van . can change from motorbike and single bed, double bed (me and mrs), removal van, tip runs . great all round vehiclevan still running like a train, no problems, love it
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Marko1AU
- 2 reviews
- 4 likes
Terrific Trafic
I recently purchased a Renault 2013 Trafic SWB automatic (if thats what you would like to call it) but It isn't and at the same time it is, more on that later. My test drive was upon delivery which may sound strange to most people but that was because there was no vehicle at the time to test drive due to end of year sales. I have been working with motor vehicles most of my life and read many reviews about the Trafic. So I thought well, It obviously has to be as good as any other van on the market. I was looking at the Mercedes Vito, and VW Tra...Read more
nsporter but too many problems with these vehicles all round and not worth the risk plus I have been looking at the reviews with these vehicles on this sight as well. The Renault Trafic uses the same diesel engine as Nissan use in the X-Trail with a slightly different ECU mapping so it must be good. The Renault Trafic is built in the Nissan factory, Barcelona Spain so I believe. The build quality to me is a 6.5/10 but its a commercial vehicle and I Guess it doesn't have the same attention to detail as say the Renault non commercial vehicles. I found a front fender was not flushed and was raised about 3mm but that only took me 2 minutes to rectify along with a few interior cabin hood lining to B pillar trim gaps. I guess these overall are only small things but because I was a vehicle inspector and rectifier at a car manufacturer I can do all those adjustments myself with full confidence. The engineering side and lay out of the Trafic is brilliant with excellent cabin vision and height and the turbo diesel is a gem to drive though it sometimes takes a while to get off the mark because of turbo lag . The transmission as I stated earlier on is really an automated manual box but it works well except at times I have to intervene with the shifter because it doesn't feel like it goes into the next gear quick enough but thats not all the time and maybe it's when I'm too heavy footed. It's a strange but effective Transmission set up. In auto mode it is like there is a little man inside the transmission putting his foot on the clutch and changing the gears for you. I have never had a Transmission like this before, but I really do like it. I guess you could also call it a clutchless manual because you can also drive it like one with a quick tap on the lever up or down while raising your right foot from the throttle slightly between shifts as if in a manual vehicle to make for a smooth shift. I found the air conditioning works excellent, but I would recommend anyone putting in a cargo barrier and air-con curtain as I have done. I also wish it had a drivers seat inside armrest just to make things that little bit more comfortable on top of the already comfortable seats. So I went and purchased one on line and fitted it myself. It truly makes driving more relaxing. My fuel consumption is around 8.9 per100 kms urban which is great and around 8.3 country but I haven't driven country that much to see how good I can get it. The Trafic also handles well with not much body roll when cornering on those winding roads. It does feel more like a sedan than a van. I also think its a great looking van if not beautifully unique looking and has been ahead of the competition in design for many years. I use the cruise control and also the speed limiter which come as standard and work perfectly and are placed on the steering wheel for ease of use along with the bluetooth steering column controls which you find in most of the Renault range as I have noticed. I purchased this vehicle firstly because of its functions and standard options such as cruise control and speed limiter which was a must for todays driving with all the speed cameras and speed limit changes and a lap sash centre seat belt for added passenger safety. Then the next feature was the design where you don't sit over the front wheels like in some other popular vans on the market. This gives a much better ride and makes for ease of access to the engine and fluids because theres is a small bonnet. In the end it was a blind faith purchase which worked out well and would be happy to purchase another one. Oh! before I go one thing which I wish the vehicle had was stability control but this should all be standard as in europe all 2014 vehicles including vans must have this as standard, so I have read. I though was prepared at this moment of purchase to forgo this as a trade-off for an auto transmission and other standard features. You do have the option though of stability control if you purchase the Trafic with a manual gearbox but its not available with the auto quick shift transmission. I would recommend this vehicle. Still early days though but it all runs and works well. Standard features, Transmission, economical, comfortable and the distinct attractive european styling. A few little things such as standard stability control and a drivers armrest would in my view be a huge sales plus.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Questions & Answers
selikasked
2011 model. How good is the van as mechanical?
2 answers
I’ve had no issues mechanically. Mines a 2016 model though and only done 26,000km. I was only surprised that after a 15000km service, 6000km later it ran low on oil. No sign of any leaks or evidence of smoke to suggest oil burning. Ran fine since topping up.
thanks i try to by renault trafic or master some done over 75000 km before jump to i gets need info
Jason Fasked
Can filling my Trafic with the high flow diesel pump knock out my fuel gauge?
Showing empty on digital gauge 2013 trafic
1 answer
Hi Jason
I am not going to be much help without knowing the the position of the sender unit relative to the filler. I suppose it is possible to damage a sender with high fuel flow, but without knowing more about where it is positioned in the tank it is hard for me to comment. You have three possible scenarios, the sender itself is faulty, the wiring harness or connectors have an issue or the instrument cluster / gauge itself has failed. Sorry I cannot be of more help.
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DutchAussie
We have used this van for a bout a year now and had some minor problems with it.
The brake switch appears to have an intermittent fault and tells me to put the gearbox in neutral. (This vehicle is an robotised automatic). I am due for a service and will have seen to.I think the cigarette lighter never worked from new.
The light comes on but it will not charge our iPads.... Read more