2010 Renault Scenic 1.5L Diesel · FP10 FNF

The most recent DVSA examination recorded on 10 October 2024 resulted in a Pass with no defects or advisories noted, indicating that the immediately preceding failures had been rectified prior to retest. Reviewing the broader trend across the recorded tests, the maintenance picture is broadly stable but punctuated by clusters of significant defects, most notably the October 2024 failure which contained two Dangerous items relating to a leaking and corroded nearside rear brake pipe, alongside advisory wear on the front and rear brake discs. Earlier failures in 2021 and 2022 also raised major items including a worn track rod end ball joint with excessive play, a split CV joint boot, and an inoperative front position lamp. While each of these has been addressed in turn and the vehicle has subsequently passed its retests, the recurrence of advisories around brake discs, suspension bushes, brake pipe condition, and tyre wear across multiple consecutive tests suggests an underlying pattern of wear typical of a high-mileage Renault Scenic rather than isolated incidents. With a recorded odometer reading of 146,810 miles over approximately sixteen years, this Renault Scenic is averaging in the region of 9,176 miles per annum, which is broadly consistent with typical family-car usage for its age and is neither particularly low nor unusually high. The recorded MOT entries show fairly steady annual accumulation without any extended gaps that would suggest long periods of standing, and this regular use is generally favourable for preventing the calendar-related deterioration often seen on lightly used vehicles. Nevertheless, at this mileage many of the major mechanical consumables, including timing chain components, clutch assembly, dual-mass flywheel if diesel-fitted, and suspension subframe bushes, will have been subjected to significant wear cycles and merit close physical inspection regardless of what the MOT history alone reveals. Given the recurring advisories relating to front brake disc wear and pitted or scored surfaces recorded on both axles in 2021 and again in 2024, a prospective buyer should inspect both front and rear brake discs for lipping, hot spots, and surface corrosion, as these symptoms typically manifest as brake shudder under heavy application or a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal. The advisories concerning nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes from early 2024 indicate progressive wear in the front lower suspension, which commonly produces clonking or knocking noises on speed humps and uneven tyre wear across the front axle, particularly inner-edge wear. The advisories and failure items relating to brake pipe corrosion further point to the need to inspect the underbody brake lines carefully for surface rust, flaking, or active weeping, particularly along the rear pipe run, as brake fluid leaks of this nature pose a direct safety concern. On a test drive, listen for any abnormal noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, verify straight-line stability without wandering, and confirm that the brake pedal feels firm without excessive travel or sponginess. Beyond the items flagged on the MOT record, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants a thorough physical inspection covering several age-related concerns that may not yet have been captured in the test history. Tyres should be checked for sidewall perishing and cracking, particularly on the nearside rear where an advisory for cracking and edge wear was previously noted, as sixteen-year-old rubber compounds degrade regardless of tread depth. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries beyond five years of service frequently fail without warning. Brake fluid, coolant, and if applicable automatic transmission fluid should be assessed for condition and service interval compliance, as these fluids degrade with calendar age even when the vehicle is in regular use. The exhaust system, including the flexi section, catalytic converter mounting, and rear silencer, should be examined for corrosion and blow-by, and the engine bay should be inspected for oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, cam chain area, and any ancillary components. Finally, confirm that the service book contains evidence of regular cambelt or timing chain inspection and that any recent repairs relating to the 2024 failures, particularly the brake pipe replacement, have been documented with receipts to verify the quality of the rectification work undertaken.