Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2004 Renault Scenic Expression 16v?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2004 Renault Scenic Expression 16v?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2004 Renault Scenic Expression 16v?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2004 Renault Scenic Expression 16v?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Renault Scenic Expression 16v (2004)

120 real MOT outcomes analysed • 37.3% first-time pass rate

2004 Renault Scenic Expression 16v

CarHunch analysed 120 real MOT records for the 2004 Renault Scenic Expression 16v. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 2004 Renault Scenic has a serious reliability problem: only 37% pass the MOT first time, less than half the UK average of 80%. The good news is that none of the vehicles in this sample have ever recorded a dangerous defect, so safety isn't the primary concern—it's simply that these cars are ageing badly across the board.

At an average of 63,545 miles, these Scenics are relatively well-used for their age, and the pattern of failures (averaging 0.37 per vehicle) suggests common wear-related issues rather than catastrophic problems. If you're considering one, budget for immediate remedial work before it passes its MOT: this isn't a car to buy and drive away without professional inspection and likely repairs.

Below average reliability 42.7% below UK average

37.3%

pass MOT first time

UK average: ~80%

ever had a dangerous defect

recorded at any MOT

0.37

avg MOT failures per car

over 1.8 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2004 Renault Scenic Expression 16v

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.
📄 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 Scenic Expression 16v

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

Inspection

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (53%)	63	0%	0
Other (48%)	57	78.6%	0.77

MOT History Averages

1.8

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.37

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Renault Scenic Expression 16v?

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