2003 Renault Scenic petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Renault Scenic petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Renault Scenic petrol than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Brake discs2.1× usual
  Renault Scenic

  27% All 2003 cars

  12.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.9% of all 2003 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.

• Number plate lights2× usual
  Renault Scenic

  15.7% All 2003 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 2.2% of all 2003 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.

• Braking performance1.8× usual
  Renault Scenic

  13.5% All 2003 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 3.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.9× usual
  Renault Scenic

  12.3% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 2.9% of all 2003 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.9× usual
  Renault Scenic

  6.7% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.4% of all 2003 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.

Common 2003 Renault Scenic petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Renault Scenic petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  50% 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
  46% 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
  42% 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
  39% 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
  16% 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
  16% 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 2003 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 2.1× as often on the 2003 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2003 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?