2005 Renault Modus petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Renault Modus petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Renault Modus petrol than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Renault Modus

  24.8% All 2005 cars

  13.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, 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.

• Engine oil leaks1.6× usual
  Renault Modus

  21.6% All 2005 cars

  13.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Sidelights2.2× usual
  Renault Modus

  14.6% All 2005 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.9%, against 5.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Coil springs1.8× usual
  Renault Modus

  18.3% All 2005 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.2%, against 2.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Brake lights2.1× usual
  Renault Modus

  11.4% All 2005 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 4.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2005 Renault Modus petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Lights and electrics
  49% 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
  46% 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
  46% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  24% 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
  9% 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 Modus 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 1.8× as often on the 2005 Renault Modus petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2005 Renault Modus petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Renault Modus petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?