2011 Renault Scenic 1.6L Petrol · KU11 LLK

A fractured front coil spring and a worn lower suspension ball joint are the headline mechanical concerns across this Renault Scenic's MOT history, both of which have produced Major failures in successive test cycles. The most recent assessment on 18 March 2026 resulted in a fail for an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, while the same date saw a pass once that defect was presumably rectified, but with advisories now logged on both rear brake pipe hose unions showing early corrosion. A previous Major failure on 23 March 2022 centred on a broken nearside front coil spring, and advisories on that occasion also flagged cracking in the tread area of both rear tyres. The pattern indicates a chassis and underbody that is beginning to demand attention on its wear items, with the front suspension geometry in particular being a recurring source of tester comments rather than a one-off event. Against an age of approximately fifteen years, the recorded 81,683 miles equates to around 5,400 miles annually, which is notably low and points to either light regular use or extended periods of standing. Lower annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on major drivetrain and exhaust components but can accelerate deterioration of rubber and polymer items such as bushes, flexible brake hoses, tyres, and gaiters due to age-hardening rather than use-related fatigue. The brake pipe advisories recorded on the 2026 test are consistent with this kind of age-related surface oxidation rather than wear from heavy braking, and the cracked rear tyres from the 2022 test similarly reflect rubber degradation over time. There are no extended gaps in the testing record, with annual tests consistently present from 2022 through 2026, so the mileage accumulation appears to have been gradual and continuous rather than front- or back-loaded. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension is the priority area for physical inspection, given the broken coil spring in 2022 and the ball joint failure in 2026. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn top mounts, droplinks, or anti-roll bar bushes that often accompany ball joint wear. Feel for vagueness in the steering, particularly around the straight-ahead position, and any clunk or judder when turning full lock or reversing while turning. With the vehicle unladen, push and rock each front wheel at the top and bottom to detect play in the strut or hub bearings, and visually inspect the coil springs for any signs of broken coils or seat corrosion at the lower spring pan. The brake system warrants close attention following the 2026 advisories on the rear brake pipe hose unions and the thin front brake pads noted on the same failed test. Inspect the rear flexible brake hoses for any surface rust, greenish corrosion deposits, or swelling of the rubber, particularly at the unions where they meet the rigid lines, as this is the typical corrosion initiation point and can lead to fluid leaks under pressure. The front pads should be measured for remaining friction material, and the discs checked for lipping or scoring. The rear tyres, which were flagged for tread cracking in 2022, should be examined for sidewall perishing and any deep cracks in the grooves, as tyres over five years old on a low-mileage vehicle of this age are particularly susceptible to age-related deterioration regardless of tread depth. Finally, a general inspection of the underbody for surface corrosion on subframes, mounting points, and the exhaust system is advisable given the vehicle's age, even though no corrosion advisories have yet been recorded by testers.