2012 Renault Scenic 1.5L Diesel · LL12 VLS

The most recent MOT test on this 2012 Renault Scenic took place on 9 October 2025 and resulted in a pass, although it was accompanied by three advisory notices and one minor defect that warrant close attention. Looking back over the recorded DVSA history, the maintenance trend shows some inconsistency: a pass with no advisories in October 2023, a failure in September 2024 related to a defective brake servo, and then a re-test failure in October 2025 due to a severely cut nearside rear tyre before passing two days later. While each test ultimately concluded with a pass at the most recent attempt, the recurring advisory items concerning front suspension components and headlamp lens condition suggest a pattern of gradual wear that a prospective buyer should not overlook. The combination of a brake servo failure alongside persistent suspension advisories points to a vehicle whose mechanical condition is broadly stable but with notable areas of degradation that may soon require rectification. Recorded mileage stands at 80,976 miles on a vehicle now fourteen years old, equating to an annual average of roughly 5,784 miles per year, which is considerably below typical usage for a family MPV of this era. This low mileage figure often reflects a mixture of light running and extended periods of standing, both of which carry their own mechanical consequences. Prolonged standing is particularly hard on brake discs and calipers, which can suffer from corrosion and seizure, on the 12V battery which degrades through charge cycling, and on fluid systems where brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil lose their protective properties over time regardless of distance covered. The relatively low annual mileage also means engine oil changes may have been deferred beyond distance-based service intervals, so verifying service history stamps and the condition of the timing belt or chain replacement, which is critical on Renault petrol units of this generation, is highly advisable. Focusing on the specific defects recorded, the persistent advisory regarding nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint play is the most pressing concern. Ball joint play of this nature tends to progress steadily and will eventually result in an MOT failure, so it would be prudent to have the joint assessed for replacement before it worsens. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly speed bumps, and pay attention to any vagueness or wandering from the steering, which can indicate that the joint has worn further. The deteriorated dust cover on the nearside front upper anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, recorded as a minor defect, is also worth monitoring, as compromised gaiters allow moisture and debris to enter the joint and accelerate wear. The brake servo failure from 2024 is a more serious matter that should have been fully resolved prior to the subsequent pass, so confirmation of the repair documentation and ideally a brake pedal feel check during a test drive is recommended, ensuring the servo provides firm assistance under sustained pedal pressure. Beyond the recorded MOT items, age-related deterioration should be at the forefront of any inspection. Tyres on a low-mileage vehicle of this age are particularly susceptible to sidewall perishing and cracking even if the tread depth remains adequate, so a close visual inspection of all four tyres, including the spare, is essential. The cut and nail damage noted on the rear tyres suggests careful inspection of the full set is warranted, including the inner shoulders which can be hard to see. Check for binding brake calipers by ensuring the vehicle rolls freely on a level surface and look for uneven tyre wear, which can indicate either alignment or suspension geometry issues stemming from the worn ball joints. Given the low annual mileage, it would be wise to verify that brake fluid has been refreshed within the last two years, that coolant is in good condition, and that the battery holds a full charge under load, as these are time-sensitive service items. A compression test or at minimum an oil analysis report would provide reassurance regarding internal engine condition given the modest mileage accumulation over a long period, while a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, would complete a comprehensive assessment.