2009 Renault Scenic 1.4L Petrol · BF09 CWD

A Renault Scenic of this vintage with seventeen years on the road typically accumulates a thick file of advisories by the time it reaches the 76,000-mile bracket, particularly around the rear axle, exhaust mounting, and suspension linkages. This particular example, however, presents a notably clean DVSA record across the four test cycles shown, with only two failures and three passes, and crucially not a single advisory or defect has been recorded against it. The most recent test on 3 September 2024 was a clean pass, and the pattern of immediate retest and pass following both previous failures (in September 2023 and August 2024) suggests minor, promptly rectified issues rather than chronic mechanical deterioration. The overall trend is one of stable roadworthiness, with no recorded escalation in advisory severity across the four-year window, which is a positive indicator for a vehicle of this age and platform. The recorded mileage of 76,473 miles across seventeen years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 4,500 miles, which sits well below the average for a familyMPV of this era and indicates either limited use as a second household car or extended periods of standing. The MOT history shows testing in consecutive years from 2021 through 2024 with no multi-year gaps, so the vehicle has not been formally declared SORN for long stretches, meaning any standing time has been within the normal annual cycle rather than indicative of a lay-up project. Low annual mileage on a Renault Scenic of this generation does reduce wear on the engine, clutch, and drivetrain internals, but it does place greater stress on items that degrade with age rather than use, notably the rubber and plastic components throughout the suspension, cooling system, and underbody. Brake discs and pads may also have suffered surface corrosion from short trips and infrequent sustained braking, even if the wear material remains within tolerance. From a buyer perspective, the absence of any recorded advisories means there are no specific flagged components to target, but the age and low-use profile warrant a focused inspection of the items that MOT testing does not always cover comprehensively. The rear trailing arm bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and front wishbone rear bushes are known wear points on the Mk III Scenic platform and should be checked for cracking, perishing, or splitting, as rubber deteriorates with age regardless of mileage. On the test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel, which would indicate worn front linkages. The electric power steering system on this model is also prone to faults with age, so the steering should feel consistent and free of hesitation or whining at low speed. Given the low recorded mileage, particular attention should be paid to the cooling system, including the radiator, thermostat housing, and coolant hoses, as standing time combined with heat cycles encourages plastic component embrittlement and subsequent leaks. The 1.5 or 1.9 dCi engines fitted to this era of Scenic are also known for oil leaks from the cam cover and turbo oil feed pipes, so a thorough under-bonnet inspection for oil residue and a check for any signs of recent top-ups or clean-down is worthwhile. On the road, the engine should start promptly from cold without excessive smoke, the clutch should engage smoothly without judder or slipping, and the automatic gearbox if fitted should change cleanly without flare or hesitation. Finally, although the MOT record is commendably clean, a precautionary inspection of the underbody for corrosion around the rear subframe mounting points, brake pipe unions, and exhaust mounting brackets would be prudent, as these areas commonly deteriorate on Mk III Scenics of similar age and would not always result in a failure but may appear as advisories in a subsequent test.