Renault Megane (2008)

19,323 real MOT outcomes analysed • 69.4% first-time pass rate

2008 Renault Megane

CarHunch analysed 19,323 real MOT records for the 2008 Renault Megane. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2008 Renault Megane has a first-time MOT pass rate of 69.4%, which is significantly below the UK average of 80%, and nearly 43% of these cars have recorded at least one dangerous defect during their MOT history—a serious red flag for any potential buyer. Petrol versions fare marginally better at 70% pass rate versus 68.6% for diesel, but the difference is minimal across both fuel types.

These Meganes are running at a median of 59,433 miles, which is reasonable for their age, yet they're averaging nearly 5 failures per test and a hefty 23.5 advisories, suggesting electrical, suspension, and brake wear issues are endemic to the model. Before purchasing one, have a pre-buy inspection focus on the steering, suspension geometry, and any signs of electrical gremlins—this generation is prone to both.

Below average reliability 10.6% below UK average
69.4%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
59,433
typical mileage
46,660–72,795 middle half
42.6%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
4.89
avg MOT failures per car
over 15.4 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2008 Renault Megane

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • ⚠️ 42.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Renault Megane

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (60%) 11,583 70% 4.85
Diesel (40%) 7,731 68.6% 4.94
Other (0%) 9 66.2% 2.11

Mileage Distribution

Most 2008 Renault Megane vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

46,660
low mileage
59,433
typical
72,795
high mileage

Half of all 2008 Renault Megane vehicles fall between 46,660 and 72,795 miles.

2008 Renault Megane — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 3,768 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (21% of peak).

17,940 3,768 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.

MOT History Averages

15.4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
4.89
Avg failures per vehicle
23.5
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 2008 Renault Megane

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 64.8%
    Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 62%
    Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 56.8%
    Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 48.7%
    Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 47.1%
    Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
  • 44.4%
    Play in steering rack inner joint(s)
  • 44.2%
    Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
  • 36.3%
    Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2008. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Renault Megane?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Renault Megane:

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2025