2008 Renault Modus petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Renault Modus petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Renault Modus petrol than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Track rod ends3× usual
  Renault Modus

  15.1% All 2008 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

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

• Sidelights1.8× usual
  Renault Modus

  13% All 2008 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.2%, against 6.3% of all 2008 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.

• Ball joint1.8× usual
  Renault Modus

  11.4% All 2008 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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.

• Brake lights1.9× usual
  Renault Modus

  10.6% All 2008 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 4.5% of all 2008 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.

• Seat belts3.1× usual
  Renault Modus

  4.7% All 2008 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock and retract smoothly.

Common 2008 Renault Modus petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Renault Modus petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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
  40% 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
  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.

• Brakes
  35% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  17% 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
  11% 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 2008 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 track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2008 Renault Modus petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2008 Renault Modus petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2008 Renault Modus petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?