2004 Renault Scenic diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Renault Scenic diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Renault Scenic diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Steering rack inner joints6.1× usual
  Renault Scenic

  22.7% All 2004 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  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 discs2.1× usual
  Renault Scenic

  27.4% All 2004 cars

  13.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1% of all 2004 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) joints2.4× usual
  Renault Scenic

  16.1% All 2004 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 3% of all 2004 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.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Renault Scenic

  15.6% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 3.2% of all 2004 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.

• Shock absorbers2.2× usual
  Renault Scenic

  14.2% All 2004 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.7% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Common 2004 Renault Scenic diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Renault Scenic diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% 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.

• Brakes
  51% 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.

• 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.

• Steering
  24% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Driveshafts and joints
  16% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Renault Scenic diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.1× as often on the 2004 Renault Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 Renault Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2004 Renault Scenic diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?