2004 Renault Scenic 1.4L Petrol · DA04 AAZ

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT test on 16 June 2026, although this was accompanied by several advisories and minor defects that warrant close attention. Reviewing the MOT history over the last three years reveals a largely stable pattern of advisories rather than a worsening trend, with recurring items centred on suspension components, brake condition, and minor oil seepage. The same advisories appear year on year, including the brake pedal wearing smooth, slight engine oil leak, battery noted as insecure, and front suspension arm ball joint play. While none of these have yet resulted in a failure, their persistence suggests that several components are gradually deteriorating and may soon require rectification, particularly the front suspension ball joints and steering rack inner joints which have been flagged across multiple tests. The recorded mileage of 54,115 miles over a 22-year period equates to an average annual usage of around 2,460 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. This figure is well below the national average and indicates either a vehicle that has been used very lightly or one that has spent considerable time standing. Such low usage carries its own mechanical implications, including accelerated ageing of rubber components such as tyres, drive shaft boots, and suspension bushes, corrosion on brake discs from prolonged inactivity, and potential degradation of fluids including brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil. Despite the low mileage, the recurring advisories for ageing-related items such as tyre perishing, drive shaft boot deterioration, and corroded brake pipes suggest that calendar age is having a greater impact on wear than mileage accumulation. For a prospective buyer, the advisory items noted at the most recent test should each be physically inspected before purchase. The offside front suspension arm ball joint showing slight play is likely progressing and should be checked by rocking the wheel at nine and three o'clock to detect clonks or excessive movement; if the play has increased since the advisory, the joint may need replacement imminently. The severely deteriorated offside front inner drive shaft CV boot will require replacement before the grease is lost and contaminants enter the joint, as a failed boot will rapidly lead to CV joint failure. The slight engine oil leak should be monitored for any worsening, with the underside inspected for fresh oil residue on the sump and surrounding areas. The smooth brake pedal is a wear indicator suggesting the pedal rubber has thinned, and the front brake disc wear noted in previous tests should be checked by measuring disc thickness against the manufacturer minimum specification. Steering rack inner joint play, flagged in 2024, warrants a road test for any vagueness or knocking from the front end, particularly over uneven surfaces. Given the very low annual mileage and the vehicle's age, several additional checks are strongly recommended regardless of the MOT advisories. All tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing, as rubber degrades with age irrespective of tread depth, and any tyre over six years old should ideally be replaced. The battery, flagged as insecure on its carrier, should be properly clamped and its state of health checked, as batteries in low-use vehicles often suffer from chronic undercharging and sudden failure. Brake discs may have developed surface corrosion from standing, which can cause brake shudder or binding calipers; these should be inspected for smooth operation and any uneven pad deposits. Finally, time-based servicing items should be verified by documentation, including brake fluid replacement (typically every two years regardless of mileage), coolant renewal, and confirmation that the cambelt and water pump have been changed at the correct interval for this age of Renault, as age-related failure of these components can cause significant engine damage.