2004 Renault Modus: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Renault Modus?

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

• Brake discs2.1× usual
  Renault Modus

  27.2% All 2004 cars

  13.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, 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.

• Coil springs1.8× usual
  Renault Modus

  19.6% All 2004 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 2.7% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Sidelights2.2× usual
  Renault Modus

  14.3% All 2004 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.6%, against 5.7% of all 2004 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.

• Braking performance1.8× usual
  Renault Modus

  13.5% All 2004 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 3.1% of all 2004 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.

• Ball joint1.9× usual
  Renault Modus

  12.5% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, 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.

Common 2004 Renault Modus MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  52% 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
  48% 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.

• 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.

• Tyres
  38% 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
  20% 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
  9% 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 2004 Renault Modus

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 2004 Renault Modus as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2004 Renault Modus as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 Renault Modus as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?