2008 Renault Scenic petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Renault Scenic petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Renault Scenic petrol than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Steering rack inner joints10× usual
  Renault Scenic

  27% All 2008 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 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.

• Sidelights2.9× usual
  Renault Scenic

  21.1% All 2008 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 20.7%, against 6.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Renault Scenic

  25.3% All 2008 cars

  14.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.2% of all 2008 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.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Renault Scenic

  14.4% All 2008 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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.

• Number plate lights1.8× usual
  Renault Scenic

  15.1% All 2008 cars

  8.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.3% of all 2008 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.

Common 2008 Renault Scenic petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 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
  47% 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
  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.

• Brakes
  45% 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.

• 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.

• Steering
  30% 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.

• 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 2008 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 10× as often on the 2008 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2008 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 2008 Renault Scenic petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?