2013 Renault Scenic 1.5L Diesel · GV13 GVM

The most recent MOT test on the 2013 Renault Scenic, conducted on 2025-09-09, resulted in a clean pass with no recorded defects, marking a positive turnaround from the previous year’s failures. However, the vehicle’s MOT history reveals a concerning pattern of drive shaft joint boot failures, with two major defects in 2020 and a near-failure in 2023, all related to the constant velocity (CV) joints. The offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint also failed in 2020, indicating potential underlying wear in the suspension geometry or misalignment, which could have contributed to the CV boot degradation. While the 2025 test shows no active issues, the recurring failures suggest either a design or manufacturing flaw, a lack of proper maintenance, or a combination of both. The absence of defects in the last two MOTs may reflect either timely intervention or the vehicle’s current state of repair, but the buyer should remain vigilant about the CV joints and suspension components, as these are critical for drivetrain integrity and road safety. The recorded mileage of 85,952 miles for a vehicle aged 13 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 6,612 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a Renault Scenic of this era. Lower mileage could imply periods of inactivity, such as long-term storage or infrequent use, which can exacerbate issues like corrosion from standing, fluid degradation, or wear from lack of dynamic loading. Conversely, higher mileage would accelerate consumption of consumables like brake pads, tyres, and suspension components, as well as potential wear on drivetrain elements like CV joints and seals. The vehicle’s mileage history does not show abrupt spikes that might indicate aggressive driving or excessive towing, but the CV joint failures suggest that the drivetrain has been subjected to wear beyond typical expectations. Buyers should consider that the vehicle’s maintenance may have been reactive rather than proactive, given the MOT failures, and should account for potential future costs related to CV joint replacement or suspension component failure. Given the vehicle’s MOT history, the most critical areas for inspection and immediate attention are the front drive shaft joints and their associated CV boots. The near-failure of the near-side front inner CV boot in 2023 and the major failures of both offside front outer CV boots in 2020 indicate that these components are nearing or have exceeded their operational lifespan. On a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the front wheels, particularly clunks or whining that may suggest CV joint bearing wear or boot failure. Inspect the boots visually for signs of cracking, tears, or dirt ingress, which would confirm their compromise. If the CV boots are compromised, the vehicle may experience vibration, uneven acceleration, or a loss of drive torque, depending on the extent of the failure. Additionally, check the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint for play or excessive movement, which could lead to misalignment, steering pull, or suspension binding. If the ball joint is worn, it may cause clunking noises over bumps or uneven tyre wear on the offside front wheels. For the broader physical inspection, the buyer should also verify the structural integrity of the vehicle, particularly in areas prone to corrosion from prolonged standing, such as the wheel arches, rocker panels, and underbody. Inspect the tyres for sidewall perishing, which can occur even at moderate mileage due to age-related degradation of the rubber compound. The offside rear tyre had an advisory of cracking or perishing in 2023, suggesting that this tyre may be nearing its useful life, and the buyer should consider replacing it to avoid blowouts or reduced traction. Check the brake system for signs of corrosion on the discs, particularly on the offside front where the anti-roll bar linkage failure may have contributed to binding or uneven wear. Inspect the brake calipers for binding or excessive play, which could indicate hydraulic issues or mechanical wear. Additionally, given the vehicle’s age, test the 12V battery and associated electrical systems for signs of weakness, such as dimming lights or electrical gremlins, as batteries degrade over time regardless of mileage. Finally, since the vehicle’s last service history is not provided, the buyer should request and verify the service book to confirm that time-based maintenance, such as fluid top-ups (brake fluid, coolant, differential fluid) and filter replacements, has been conducted. Fluid degradation can accelerate wear on components like CV joints, suspension bushes, and seals, so ensuring these are up to date is essential for long-term reliability.