2010 Renault Scenic 1.5L Diesel · HN10 UAA

The Renault Scenic’s most recent MOT test on 2025-06-05 at 74,318 miles passed without defects, but the preceding failure on 2025-06-04 at 74,13 miles reveals a critical pattern of unresolved issues. The vehicle’s roadworthiness has not improved—it has instead oscillated between failures and passes, with recurring brake and emissions faults indicating chronic neglect rather than intermittent problems. The 2023 failures alone (tyre separations, worn brake discs, and a failing anti-roll bar ball joint) suggest a vehicle that was driven despite serious mechanical instability, compounded by the 2024 pass that overlooked the underlying deterioration. The most recent failure’s smoke emissions failure and imbalanced brakes imply the owner either deferred necessary repairs or used substandard parts. The recorded mileage of 74,318 miles over 16 years averages just 4,645 miles annually, a figure that could reflect either very light use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests—roughly 12 months with only 1,075 miles logged—supports the latter, as such low annual mileage often correlates with storage-related wear, such as seized suspension components or degraded fluids. The absence of intermediate MOTs or service records further complicates assessment, as critical maintenance (e.g., brake fluid changes, suspension lubrication) may have been skipped entirely. The 2025 tests, occurring within days of each other at nearly identical mileages, suggest the vehicle was only tested when legally required, not as part of a proactive maintenance routine. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the front suspension, particularly the anti-roll bar linkages and mounting bushes, given the 2023 failure of the near-side ball joint. The repeated brake disc failures—both front and rear—demand verification of current thickness, scoring, and caliper binding, as the 2025 imbalance indicates uneven wear that could escalate into structural failure. Exhaust smoke emissions were not tested in 2025 due to excessive smoke, a symptom of either a failing catalytic converter, rich fuel mixture, or turbocharger issues if equipped; this warrants a visual check for soot buildup or oil leaks. Finally, the 2023 tyre separations necessitate a thorough examination of all tyres for hidden damage, including sidewall cracks or delamination, as well as alignment checks to rule out forced wear from suspension misalignment.