2004 Renault Scenic petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Steering rack inner joints6.5× usual
  Renault Scenic

  24.1% 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.

• Headlights2.2× usual
  Renault Scenic

  28.6% All 2004 cars

  13.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.8%, against 4.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Renault Scenic

  21.9% 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.

• Shock absorbers2× usual
  Renault Scenic

  13.2% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.8× usual
  Renault Scenic

  11.7% All 2004 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, 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.

Common 2004 Renault Scenic petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Lights and electrics
  54% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  47% 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
  47% 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.

• Steering
  26% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 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 steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.5× as often on the 2004 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2004 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?