2007 Renault Megane diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Renault Megane diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Renault Megane diesel than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Steering rack inner joints6.7× usual
  Renault Megane

  22.2% All 2007 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2007 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.

• Brake discs2× usual
  Renault Megane

  29.8% All 2007 cars

  14.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.2% of all 2007 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.

• Ball joint2.9× usual
  Renault Megane

  18.2% All 2007 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.1%, against 3.1% of all 2007 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.

• Number plate lights2.3× usual
  Renault Megane

  19.9% All 2007 cars

  8.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.3% of all 2007 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.

• Headlights1.9× usual
  Renault Megane

  21.2% All 2007 cars

  11.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.6%, against 4.5% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2007 Renault Megane diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Renault Megane diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  55% 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
  53% 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
  51% 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.

• Tyres
  36% 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
  26% 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
  12% 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 2007 Renault Megane 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 steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.7× as often on the 2007 Renault Megane diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2007 Renault Megane diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2007 Renault Megane diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?