Renault Scenic (1999)

1,417 real MOT outcomes analysed • 66.5% first-time pass rate

1999 Renault Scenic

CarHunch analysed 1,417 real MOT records for the 1999 Renault Scenic. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 1999 Renault Scenic is noticeably less reliable than average, with a first-time MOT pass rate of just 66.5% against the UK average of 80%—a gap that matters when you're buying used. More concerning, over a quarter of these vehicles (26.5%) have recorded dangerous defects during their MOT history, which flags potential safety issues worth investigating thoroughly on any individual car.

These Scenics are carrying typical mileage for their age at around 80,000 miles median, but they're averaging 3.38 failures and nearly 10 advisories per test, suggesting chronic wear across multiple systems rather than isolated problems. Before committing to one, get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic familiar with this generation—the high failure rate means preventative checks will save you money in the long run.

Below average reliability 13.5% below UK average
66.5%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
79,639
typical mileage
65,402–96,934 middle half
26.5%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
3.38
avg MOT failures per car
over 9.5 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1999 Renault Scenic

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.
  • ⚠️ 26.5% 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 Scenic

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

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (90%) 1,280 66.6% 3.41
Diesel (10%) 137 65.8% 3.14

Mileage Distribution

Most 1999 Renault Scenic 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.

65,402
low mileage
79,639
typical
96,934
high mileage

Half of all 1999 Renault Scenic vehicles fall between 65,402 and 96,934 miles.

1999 Renault Scenic — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 13 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2021 (5% of peak).

279 13 2014 2021

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2021.

MOT History Averages

9.5
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.38
Avg failures per vehicle
9.7
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1999 Renault Scenic

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
  • 57.9%
    Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 40.6%
    Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 36.4%
    Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt
  • 33%
    Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 32%
    Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
  • 31.8%
    Oil leak
  • 28.6%
    Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1999. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Renault Scenic?

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

UK

Other model years — Renault Scenic:

1997 1998 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019