2007 Renault Scenic 1.6L Petrol · FD57 EBC

A clear pattern of emerging front-end wear defines this Renault Scenic's MOT record, with the most recent pass on 31 October 2025 highlighting five advisories concentrated on the nearside front shock absorber, front suspension, tyres, and rear brake pads. The nearside front shock absorber has now appeared with light oil misting on two consecutive tests, a classic early indicator that the unit's seal is beginning to harden and weep, and it warrants close attention before the next annual check. The offside front suspension arm ball joint showing slight play is a more pressing concern, as ball joint deterioration tends to progress quickly once movement is detected and can lead to an MOT failure if the play exceeds the prescribed tolerance. The recurrence of edge wear on both front tyres across multiple tests suggests the geometry may be drifting, potentially due to worn suspension components rather than simple alignment drift. Rear brake pads have been flagged as wearing thin on three of the last four tests, indicating that the friction material is approaching the point where replacement should be budgeted for imminently rather than deferred. The recorded mileage of 83,128 miles against a 2007 manufacture date equates to roughly 4,375 miles per year, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age and suggests either light private use, a period of off-road storage, or a mix of both. The MOT testing history is reasonably consistent from 2022 onwards, with no multi-year gaps that would indicate the vehicle was laid up and therefore exposed to the long-term issues associated with stationary damp or seized components. However, the consistent low-mileage profile means that several items are likely to be suffering from age-related degradation rather than wear from use; rubber components such as bushes, gaiters, and flexible brake hoses harden over time regardless of distance covered, and the recurring shock absorber misting and ball joint play are consistent with such deterioration. The low annual accumulation also means the brakes and tyres are being used less frequently to scrub off surface corrosion or maintain bedding, which can accelerate uneven wear patterns and binding issues in rear calipers. The advisories relating to offside front wheel bearing play and offside steering rack inner joint movement are both issues that tend to worsen progressively with age and may now have developed to the point where a thorough physical inspection is warranted. On a test drive, listen for a drone or rumble from the offside front that varies with vehicle speed and cornering, as this would confirm worsening wheel bearing wear, and pay particular attention to any vagueness or knocking through the steering wheel that could indicate the steering rack joint has loosened further since its 2024 advisory. The rear brake binding flagged in both 2023 and 2024 should be evaluated by checking for a dragging sensation or uneven heat across the rear discs after a steady drive, as persistent binding will overheat the rear pads and accelerate their already-documented thinning. The 2022 advisory of an offside rear brake pipe being corroded and covered in grease also bears mentioning, as concealing corrosion under a coating is a known method of deferring repair and any subsequent test should have confirmed whether this pipe has been properly replaced. For a prospective buyer, the priority pre-purchase checks should centre on the front suspension geometry and rear brake condition given the recurring advisory pattern. With the offside front ball joint showing play, request a bouncy test or visual inspection underneath to verify that the joint has not worn beyond tolerance, and budget for replacement suspension arms if it has. The nearside front shock absorber's persistent oil misting suggests a replacement shock is likely due within the next service interval, and both front tyres should be measured for remaining tread depth since they have been flagged as worn close to the legal limit on multiple occasions. The rear brake pads should be physically inspected for remaining material thickness, and the rear caliper slide pins and pistons checked for the cause of the repeated binding advisories, as simply replacing pads without addressing the underlying caliper issue will result in the same problem recurring. Finally, inspect the offside rear brake pipe and surrounding underbody for any signs of rust bubbling or flaking, particularly around the fuel tank area where road salts accumulate, to ensure the 2022 corroded pipe advisory has been properly resolved rather than temporarily concealed.