2005 Renault Megane 1.9L Diesel · FP55 AFO

Front‑end wear dominates the MOT record, with recurring advisories for front wheel bearing play, tyre tread approaching the legal limit and a lower ball‑joint showing slight movement; the only outright failure dates back to 2009 when steering arm fixings were judged unsafe and two exterior lamps were out. Since that failure the car has passed every subsequent test, the most recent being a pass on 20 October 2015, but the pattern of front‑axle advisories suggests that the steering and suspension components have required attention on more than one occasion. At 155,120 mi over 21 years the average annual mileage works out to roughly 7,400 mi, which sits comfortably within normal usage for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history shows a consistent yearly test schedule with no significant gaps, indicating the mileage figures are likely reliable. That mileage level, combined with the front‑end wear noted above, means consumables such as wheel bearings, ball joints, tyre rubber and suspension bushings are approaching the point where replacement is often required to maintain safe handling. A prospective buyer should give the front wheel bearings a thorough road‑test check: listen for a low‑frequency hum or feel for play when the steering wheel is rocked at a standstill, and watch for any vibration that intensifies with speed. The tyres, especially the near‑side front, should be inspected for uneven wear patterns that could betray mis‑alignment or lingering bearing issues, and the tread depth must be well above the legal 1.6 mm limit. The lower ball‑joint on the off‑side front should be examined for any looseness when the wheel is moved vertically; a noticeable clunk or a feeling of looseness under cornering would confirm the advisory is becoming a defect. Finally, verify that both the registration plate lamp and the stop lamp on the off‑side function correctly, as they were the cause of the 2009 failure. Beyond the front‑end, a full inspection of the steering arms and their fixings is advisable, looking for any signs of corrosion, cracked welds or movement when the steering wheel is turned fully left and right. While the MOT record shows no brake or exhaust failures, the high mileage warrants a check of the brake discs for scoring, pads for thickness, and the brake lines for any external wear or leakage. A test drive should include a straight‑line run to detect any pull to one side, and a series of gentle bumps to expose worn suspension bushes or loose linkage. Addressing any identified play or wear now will help avoid unexpected failures and keep the vehicle within road‑worthy limits.