2011 Renault Grand Scenic 1.6L Petrol · HV11 BYN

The Renault Grand Scénic’s roadworthiness has deteriorated sharply over the past year, with the November 2025 MOT marking a critical failure just three days before a subsequent pass—suggesting rushed or incomplete repairs. The tester flagged multiple serious concerns in the failed test, including excessively worn suspension components (offside front anti-roll bar linkage, lower suspension arm ball joint, and track rod end ball joint), which pose an immediate risk to handling and alignment. Binding or near-failure brake systems—both front and rear pads at critical thickness, alongside scored discs—demonstrate a pattern of deferred maintenance, while structural corrosion on the rear subframe and both rear coil springs indicates long-term neglect of rust protection. The November 2025 pass, despite clearing the test, still carried advisories for the same corroded springs and subframe, meaning these issues were neither addressed nor stabilised. The vehicle’s mileage—180,030 over 15 years—averages around 12,000 miles annually, which is high but not excessive for a used car of this age. However, the rapid accumulation between tests is concerning: just 1,281 miles were covered in the year between the 2024 and 2025 MOTs, yet the 2025 failures suggest the car was driven aggressively or poorly maintained during that period. The clean 2023 and 2022 tests contrast sharply with the 2024 advisory for tyres, hinting at a sudden shift in upkeep standards. The lack of intermediate records between November 2024 and November 2025 also raises questions about whether the vehicle was driven sparingly or if tests were deliberately spaced to avoid catching defects. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, given the repeated failures of ball joints, track rod ends, and anti-roll bar linkages—these components directly affect steering stability and safety. The rear coil springs and subframe corrosion, while not yet structurally compromised, warrant closer examination for hidden rust or weakened integrity, particularly under load. Brakes require immediate attention: the combination of thin pads, scored discs, and binding calipers suggests a history of uneven wear or neglected bleeding, increasing the risk of failure. Tyres, though not failed, were consistently at legal limits across multiple tests, indicating they may have been rotated or replaced only when legally required. Any pre-purchase inspection should verify whether these have been addressed since the November 2025 MOT.