2008 Renault Grand Scenic 1.5L Diesel · RF58 CSV

The most recent MOT, carried out on 8 February 2023, was passed but returned several advisories – notably front tyre tread approaching the legal limit, a slight binding of the off‑side rear service brake and a defective front windscreen wiper blade. Earlier in the same year a failure was recorded for the supplemental restraint system warning lamp, while the preceding three years show a pattern of repeated failures for lighting units, steering rack play and shock absorber performance. Overall the trend is mixed: the vehicle has moved from outright failures to a pass, yet the recurrence of the same fault families indicates that the underlying maintenance has not fully stabilised and further remedial work is likely required. At 118 495 mi the van averages roughly 6 600 mi per annum, which sits comfortably within the typical usage envelope for an 18‑year‑old model. The mileage does not suggest extreme wear on high‑life components such as the engine or transmission, but the relatively low annual distance also hints at periods of inactivity that can accelerate age‑related degradation – for example rubber hardening, corrosion of suspension joints and electrolyte loss in the battery. Consequently the wear you will see is more likely to be time‑based rather than purely mileage‑driven. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front tyres, which are already flagged as being close to the legal minimum tread and showing edge wear. Inspect the tread depth across the width, look for cupping or uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment, and be prepared to replace both fronts and possibly the rears if the sidewalls show cracking from age. The off‑side rear service brake binding, although not classified as a failure, can manifest as a slight dragging sensation on the pedal or a faint humming noise when stationary; a thorough brake inspection should include checking the caliper pistons for corrosion, the brake pads for uneven wear and the disc surfaces for rust‑pitting that could affect braking efficiency. The advisories concerning reduced damping in the front shock absorbers and the off‑side front shock oil mist suggest that the suspension may be losing its ability to control body motions, which can be felt as excessive squat under braking, a soft or mushy feel when cornering, or clunking noises from worn bushings and ball joints – the latter already noted as severely deteriorated on the off‑side lower arm dust cover. Electrical reliability must also be verified. The recurring failures of front position lamps, headlamp aim and registration plate illumination point to possible wiring harness corrosion, faulty bulbs or ageing relays; a functional check should confirm that all lights illuminate simultaneously and that the headlamp aim is within legal limits. The defective windscreen wiper blade should be replaced, and the operation of the wiper motor checked for streaking or noise. Given the vehicle’s age, the 12 V battery should be load‑tested, the coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids inspected for colour and particulate contamination and refreshed if they appear dark or contain debris, and the under‑carriage examined for rust, especially around the rear suspension mounting points where standing periods can promote corrosion. A complete service history review, confirming timely oil changes and timing belt or chain service (if applicable), will further reassure the buyer that the mechanical wear is being managed appropriately.