2004 Renault Scenic 1.6L Petrol · FD54 YRW

This 22-year-old Renault Scenic presents a MOT history dominated by severe and dangerous defects, fundamentally undermining its roadworthiness credentials. Across eight recorded tests since 2016, the vehicle has accumulated two failures and four advisories, including two categorised as Dangerous during the 2019 test. Both Dangerous defects involved excessive free play in the steering rack with worn inner rack ends, rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive, alongside an illegal rear tyre and a brake flex hose at imminent risk of failure. The Major defects recorded across failures include a fractured front coil spring and inoperative stop lamp. The 2021 test passed but flagged both front tyres worn close to the legal limit on their edges, a minor headlamp lens defect, and a damaged nearside mirror. The pattern demonstrates that critical safety components, particularly steering and braking systems, have failed within a short testing window, suggesting the vehicle cannot be relied upon to maintain basic safety standards between examinations. The recorded mileage of 108,828 miles over the vehicle's 22-year lifespan equates to roughly 4,947 miles annually, which is notably low for its age. The MOT history reveals a substantial testing gap between 2016 and 2021, with all tests clustered within a five-year window after years of apparent non-use. While low annual mileage can reduce wear on major drivetrain components, it often accelerates deterioration of rubber and composite parts through lack of use. The 2019 brake flex hose failure and tyre degradation suggest standing periods may have contributed to perishing and cracking of flexible components, a common consequence of vehicles that remain stationary for extended intervals. The history does not include mileage data for each test, making it impossible to verify whether mileage accumulation was consistent or occurred in concentrated bursts. Prospective buyers should treat the steering system as the foremost priority for inspection, given the Dangerous defects recorded on both inner rack ends. A test drive must include slow-speed turns with the windows down to listen for clunks or scraping from the front suspension, and the steering wheel should be checked for excessive slack or roughness when turned lock-to-lock with the engine running. The fractured nearside front coil spring recorded in 2018 indicates weakened or broken springs on either side should be physically inspected by pressing down on each wing to check for bouncing. Given the recorded brake flex hose failure, all visible brake hoses should be examined for cracking or bulging under the wheel arches, and the brake pedal should be tested for firmness under firm pressure. The 2021 advisory on both front tyres wearing close to the limit on their edges suggests tracking or suspension geometry issues that warrant checking the inner and outer tread shoulders for uneven wear patterns, alongside an alignment check. Further inspection should focus on the stop lamp failure from 2019, confirming all rear brake lights illuminate without delay when the pedal is pressed, and ensuring the lens is not cracked or water-stained. The persistent nearside mirror damage advisory across two tests should prompt verification that primary door mirrors are intact, properly adjusted, and provide an adequate rear view. The headlamp lens defect noted in 2021, while minor, should be checked for advanced crazing or condensation within the units that could compromise night visibility. With the vehicle's testing gap and low annual mileage, rubber components including suspension bushes, CV gaiters, and engine mounts merit close physical examination for perishing and cracking. Any history of remedial steering, brake, or suspension work carried out since 2019 should be verified through documented invoices, as the Dangerous defects recorded would have demanded immediate rectification to restore roadworthy status.