2015 Renault Scenic 1.5L Diesel · SC65 OHO

The Scenic presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent test on 10 September 2025 at 49,908 miles resulted in an initial failure for a worn nearside front track rod end ball joint deemed a serious detachment risk. A retest on the same day passed with zero defects, indicating the immediate safety-critical item was rectified. However, the underlying trend is not reassuring. Suspension joint wear has recurred across consecutive years, suggesting a pattern of component fatigue rather than a one-off fix. The vehicle is currently roadworthy as of its last pass, but the history points to a front end that demands close scrutiny. The mileage profile is notably low for an eleven-year-old vehicle. Covering roughly 4,537 miles per year, the Scenic has seen light use. The record shows a jump of 5,399 miles between September 2023 at 39,918 miles and September 2024 at 45,317 miles, followed by a plateau of just 4,591 miles over the subsequent twelve months to September 2025. Such low annual accumulation can mean extended periods of standing, which risks dried-out rubber bushes, corroded brake discs, and perished tyre sidewalls. The sparse MOT entries, limited to one test per year, provide a thin dataset, but the recorded defects are consistent enough to reveal a genuine mechanical theme. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering linkage. The repeated advisories and failures around the nearside front suspension arm ball joint and track rod end point to worn joints that may have accelerated uneven tyre wear. Check both inner and outer track rod ends for play, and inspect the lower suspension arm bushes for perishing or splitting. The 2024 failure for an inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp also warrants a diagnostic scan to confirm no stored fault codes or tampered emissions systems. Beyond the front end, examine the underbody for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and brake lines, as low-mileage vehicles that sit for long periods can suffer from surface rust that compromises structural integrity. The 2023 advisory for an offside front tyre worn on the edge suggests possible tracking issues that may persist. Inspect all four tyres for date codes and sidewall condition, and check the brake discs and pads for uneven wear or binding, as light use can lead to disc corrosion and caliper seizure.