2010 Renault Scenic 1.5L Diesel · SC10 OPG

The 2010 Renault Scenic presented for its most recent MOT on 19 August 2025 and achieved a Pass, although it was accompanied by four advisories that warrant careful consideration. A review of the previous four years of testing reveals a broadly stable but increasingly cluttered maintenance profile, with clean passes recorded in 2022 and 2024 but advisories appearing consistently in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023 and now 2025. The 2020 test also included a failure, though the cause was a minor lighting issue rather than a structural or mechanical concern. The density of advisories in the most recent certificate, combined with the reappearance of brake pad wear after an advisory for the same components in 2019, suggests that consumable maintenance has not been entirely proactive and that the vehicle is approaching a period where accumulated wear items will require simultaneous attention. With 138,918 miles recorded on a 16-year-old vehicle, the average annual mileage stands at approximately 8,682 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age in the UK. The MOT history does not indicate any large gaps in testing, suggesting the car has been in continuous use rather than laid up for extended periods, which is generally positive for preserving mechanical seals, brake system function and drivetrain lubrication. However, the high overall odometer reading means that major mechanical items such as the clutch, turbocharger if fitted, automatic transmission components, and engine ancillaries will have accrued considerable wear, and any history of timing belt replacement must be verified through the service documentation. The advisory items on the 2025 test deserve focused attention during a physical inspection and test drive. The nearside rear and front brake pad advisories indicate the friction material is nearing the end of its service life, and given that rear pads were similarly flagged in 2019, it is reasonable to expect replacement will be required imminently; during a road test, listen for any metallic squeal under light braking and check for brake shudder or pulling that might indicate disc wear alongside the pads. The front anti-roll bar pin or bush advisory points to wear in the stabilizer link or its mounting bushes, which can produce a clonking or knocking noise over speed humps, uneven road surfaces or during direction changes, and if left unattended it can progress to excessive play. The rear brake pipe advisory concerning corrosion or contamination is more significant, as brake pipes are safety-critical and any visible corrosion, particularly at unions and along the pipe run, should be examined closely for rust-through risk. Additionally, the longstanding advisories for nearside rear shock absorber misting dating back to 2019 and 2021 suggest damping degradation that may now be affecting ride quality and tyre wear, and a test drive over undulating roads should be used to assess for excessive bouncing, poor cornering stability, or unusual tyre wear patterns. Beyond the recorded advisories, a vehicle of this age and mileage requires a diligent general inspection regardless of the MOT result. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for cracking and perishing common to ageing rubber, and the spare or spacesaver should be checked for condition and correct pressure. The 12V battery is likely original or several years old and should be load-tested, particularly if the car has shown any signs of slow cranking. Brake discs should be inspected for corrosion ridges, and the calipers should be checked for binding or seized pistons that can cause uneven pad wear. Coolant, brake fluid and automatic or manual transmission fluid should be replaced on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, and the service book or electronic service history must be scrutinised for evidence of regular cambelt and water pump replacement, a critical item on high-mileage Renault engines. Finally, with suspension components such as lower arm ball joints already flagged in 2023 and shock absorbers showing ongoing concern, it is prudent to budget for a comprehensive suspension refresh including bushes, drop links and possibly the rear dampers themselves to restore safe and predictable handling.