2001 Renault Scenic petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Renault Scenic petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Renault Scenic petrol than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Number plate lights2.3× usual
  Renault Scenic

  15.2% All 2001 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.7% of all 2001 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.

• Washers3.1× usual
  Renault Scenic

  11.3% All 2001 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.3%, against 3.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints4.1× usual
  Renault Scenic

  8.1% All 2001 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.4% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Renault Scenic

  12.3% All 2001 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.8% of all 2001 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 2001 Renault Scenic petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Renault Scenic petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Suspension
  41% 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
  41% 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
  37% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  20% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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 2001 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 number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2001 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the washers? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2001 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2001 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?