2009 Renault Modus petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Renault Modus petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Renault Modus petrol than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Track rod ends2.5× usual
  Renault Modus

  12.3% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 2.4% of all 2009 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.

• Brake lights2× usual
  Renault Modus

  10.1% All 2009 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 4.2% of all 2009 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 belts2.8× usual
  Renault Modus

  3.7% All 2009 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.4% of all 2009 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.

• Corroded fuel pipes5.4× usual
  Renault Modus

  2.7% All 2009 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 2009 Renault Modus petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Renault Modus petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% 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
  35% 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.

• Brakes
  33% 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
  9% 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
  8% 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 2009 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 2.5× as often on the 2009 Renault Modus petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2009 Renault Modus petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the seat belts? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2009 Renault Modus petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?