2005 Renault Scenic: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Renault Scenic?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Renault Scenic than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Steering rack inner joints5.9× usual
  Renault Scenic

  22.6% All 2005 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2005 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× usual
  Renault Scenic

  27.5% All 2005 cars

  13.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.1% of all 2005 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.

• Headlights2× usual
  Renault Scenic

  26.3% All 2005 cars

  13.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.2%, against 5% of all 2005 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.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Renault Scenic

  14.5% All 2005 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 3.2% of all 2005 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 absorbers1.9× usual
  Renault Scenic

  12.9% All 2005 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.7% of all 2005 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 2005 Renault Scenic MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Renault Scenic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  52% 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
  50% 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
  49% 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
  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.

• Steering
  25% 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 2005 Renault Scenic

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 5.9× as often on the 2005 Renault Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2005 Renault Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2005 Renault Scenic as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?