2011 Renault Grand Scenic 1.6L Petrol · LV61 ACF

A pattern of recurring electrical and front suspension faults defines the roadworthiness profile of this 2011 Renault Grand Scenic, with four failures recorded across the five test attempts documented. The most recent attempt on 23 December 2024 produced a pass, but the same date also carries a fail entry for an inoperative registration plate lamp and a nearside stop lamp not illuminating, alongside advisories for low coolant and corroded rear brake discs. Going further back, the December 2023 test logged an advisory for a worn clutch pedal rubber and an offside front lower suspension arm ball joint showing slight play, while a prior failure that same month cited an insecurely attached offside front upper anti-roll bar linkage and an inoperative reversing lamp. The December 2022 and December 2021 entries continue this theme, with stop lamp failures, discoloured rear indicators, thinning brake pads at both ends, and a deteriorated offside front upper anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover all flagged. Taken together, the record shows a vehicle that consistently passes once the immediate electrical or linkage issues are resolved, but one in which the underlying causes of those failures appear to recur from year to year rather than being permanently rectified. With 105,625 miles recorded across approximately fifteen years of life, the vehicle averages around 7,042 miles annually, which sits within typical parameters for its age and means the drivetrain, clutch, and suspension components will have accumulated moderate wear rather than extreme use. The testing history is continuous from late 2021 onward with no extended gaps, so there is no evidence of a prolonged period off the road that might raise concerns about seized brakes, perished coolant hoses, or a discharged battery. The mileage progression between recorded tests is broadly linear and consistent with regular everyday use, which for a diesel or petrol Grand Scenic of this generation generally translates into closer attention being warranted for dual-mass flywheel behaviour, turbo actuator function, and EGR valve condition, none of which the MOT record itself can verify. The annual accumulation rate is high enough that consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension bushes will have been replaced multiple times during the vehicle's life, which is consistent with the thinning pads and worn tyre noted in the 2021 and 2022 advisories. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension is the single most important area to evaluate physically, given the repeated advisories and failures relating to the offside front upper anti-roll bar linkage, the offside front upper anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover, and the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint play. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and pay particular attention to any vagueness or rattle through the steering when turning into a parking space or rounding a bend at low speed. Inspect the upper anti-roll bar drop links and ball joints visually for perished or split dust boots, fresh grease deposits, or any obvious signs of recent replacement that does not appear to have cured the underlying wear. The rear brake discs flagged as corroded in December 2024 should also be examined, as corroded rear discs on a Grand Scenic can produce a harsh pulsing sensation under moderate braking and may soon require replacement rather than just cleaning. The electrical faults recorded are also worth treating as a continuing concern rather than isolated incidents, given that stop lamp failures appeared in both 2022 and 2024, a reversing lamp failed in 2023, and the registration plate lamp failed in 2024. On inspection, confirm that all bulbs illuminate correctly with the ignition on, including the registration plate illumination, both stop lamps, and the reversing lamp, and check the condition of the bulb holders and rear wiring loom for corrosion where it passes through the tailgate hinge area, a known weak point on this model. The advisory for low coolant in December 2024 warrants a cold inspection for fresh coolant staining around the expansion tank, radiator, and any visible coolant pipes, as a low level on a fifteen year old vehicle frequently points to a slow leak rather than simple topping up. Finally, with brake pads noted as wearing thin at both axles in 2022, a thorough inspection of pad material thickness, disc condition front and rear, and the operation of the handbrake mechanism should be carried out before purchase, and a test drive should include a firm emergency stop from at least 30 mph to confirm there is no pulling, judder, or sponginess in the brake pedal.