2000 Renault Megane Scenic petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Renault Megane Scenic petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Renault Megane Scenic petrol than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Brake discs2.2× usual
  Renault Megane Scenic

  25.3% All 2000 cars

  11.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.8% of all 2000 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.

• Exhaust system1.9× usual
  Renault Megane Scenic

  19.3% All 2000 cars

  9.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2.8% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Braking performance1.8× usual
  Renault Megane Scenic

  13.8% All 2000 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 3.6% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Washers2.4× usual
  Renault Megane Scenic

  8.6% All 2000 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 3.6% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2000 Renault Megane Scenic petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Renault Megane Scenic petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  44% 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.

• Suspension
  39% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% 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
  35% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  21% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  17% 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 2000 Renault Megane Scenic petrol

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 2.2× as often on the 2000 Renault Megane Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2000 Renault Megane Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2000 Renault Megane Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?