2000 Renault Scenic petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Renault Scenic petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Renault Scenic petrol than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Brake discs2.4× usual
  Renault Scenic

  27% All 2000 cars

  11.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.8% of all 2000 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3× usual
  Renault Scenic

  16.4% All 2000 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.6%, against 2.5% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2000 Renault Scenic petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Renault Scenic petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  44% 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
  43% 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
  37% 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
  29% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 Renault 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 2000 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2000 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?