2005 Renault Grand Scenic diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Renault Grand Scenic diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Renault Grand Scenic diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Brake discs2.4× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  33.7% All 2005 cars

  13.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.1% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Steering rack inner joints5.7× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  21.6% All 2005 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Ball joint3.5× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  23% All 2005 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 14.1%, against 3.2% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Shock absorbers2.5× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  16.5% All 2005 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Brake pads2.1× usual
  Renault Grand Scenic

  16.8% All 2005 cars

  8.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

Common 2005 Renault Grand Scenic diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Renault Grand Scenic diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  59% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  54% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  53% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  40% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Steering
  24% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Renault Grand Scenic diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2005 Renault Grand Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 2005 Renault Grand Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2005 Renault Grand Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?