2000 Renault Megane: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Renault Megane?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Renault Megane than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.3× usual
  Renault Megane

  12.9% All 2000 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.5% of all 2000 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.

• Number plate lights2.1× usual
  Renault Megane

  11.9% All 2000 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.4% of all 2000 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.

• Headlights1.8× usual
  Renault Megane

  13.3% All 2000 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 3.3% of all 2000 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.

• Washers2.4× usual
  Renault Megane

  8.7% All 2000 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 3.6% of all 2000 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.

Common 2000 Renault Megane MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Renault Megane MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  43% 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
  33% 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
  33% 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.

• Brakes
  32% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  18% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 Renault Megane

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2000 Renault Megane as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2000 Renault Megane as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2000 Renault Megane as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?