2002 Renault Megane Scenic petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Renault Megane Scenic petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Renault Megane Scenic petrol than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Brake discs2.4× usual
  Renault Megane Scenic

  30% All 2002 cars

  12.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.9% of all 2002 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.

• Number plate lights2.1× usual
  Renault Megane Scenic

  15.7% All 2002 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.9% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Washers2.8× usual
  Renault Megane Scenic

  10.2% All 2002 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.2%, against 3.7% of all 2002 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.

• Braking performance1.8× usual
  Renault Megane Scenic

  13.8% All 2002 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 3.4% of all 2002 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints4.1× usual
  Renault Megane Scenic

  7.3% All 2002 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2002 Renault Megane Scenic petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 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
  50% 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
  46% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  19% 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 2002 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 2.4× as often on the 2002 Renault Megane Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2002 Renault Megane Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the washers? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2002 Renault Megane Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?