2011 Renault Wind: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Renault Wind?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Renault Wind than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Brake discs2× usual
  Renault Wind

  27.6% All 2011 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.2% of all 2011 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.

• Track rod ends2.9× usual
  Renault Wind

  13.7% All 2011 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 2.4% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Coil springs1.9× usual
  Renault Wind

  17.5% All 2011 cars

  9.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 14.3%, against 4% of all 2011 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.

• Handbrake performance4.1× usual
  Renault Wind

  3.3% All 2011 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.8% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

Common 2011 Renault Wind MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Renault Wind MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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
  40% 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
  30% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% 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 2011 Renault Wind

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× as often on the 2011 Renault Wind as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2011 Renault Wind as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2011 Renault Wind as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?