2013 Renault Scenic 1.5L Diesel · FX63 TWW

The 2013 Renault Scenic currently holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 10 March 2026 at 81,401 miles, following a retest on the same day after an initial failure. The maintenance trend is mixed. The most recent failure flagged a worn nearside front suspension arm ball joint, a corroded nearside front coil spring, slight play in the nearside rear wheel bearing, and a worn nearside front tyre. The retest passed, meaning these items were rectified within hours, but the nature of the faults, particularly the corroded coil spring and worn ball joint, points to underlying age-related deterioration rather than simple consumable wear. The coil spring advisory carried over into the pass certificate, indicating surface corrosion was noted but not yet severe enough to fail. The mileage progression tells a clear story of changing ownership patterns. Between the January 2025 test at 69,924 miles and the March 2026 test at 81,401 miles, the car covered 11,477 miles in just over 13 months, a sharp rise from the previous annual average of roughly 6,262 miles. This suggests a change from light, possibly sporadic use to more regular, longer-distance driving. The January 2025 failure at 69,922 miles for binding brakes and poor braking efficiency, followed by a clean pass two days later, indicates a prior period of neglect or standing that was hastily addressed before the test. The jump in mileage since then implies the car is now being driven consistently, which is generally positive for mechanical components but accelerates wear on items already flagged. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and braking system during any in-person inspection. The recurring nearside front tyre wear, noted in both May 2024 and March 2026, suggests possible tracking issues or uneven loading that has not been permanently corrected. The corroded nearside front coil spring, still flagged as an advisory in the latest pass, warrants close visual examination, particularly around the spring seats and lower mounting points, as corrosion in this area can compromise structural integrity over time. The worn ball joint that caused the March 2026 failure has been replaced, but the condition of the offside equivalent should be checked for even wear. The nearside rear wheel bearing with slight play and the January 2025 brake binding faults both point to components that may have suffered from periods of inactivity. A road test should verify smooth bearing operation across speeds and check for any dragging or uneven braking effort, particularly at the rear. The overall record shows a car that has had reactive rather than preventive maintenance, with faults often addressed only when they reach a test failure threshold. The recent spike in mileage means these repairs are now being tested under heavier use, making a thorough independent inspection essential before purchase.