RENAULT SCENIC (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 416 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,397
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1998cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 25 years old, 69% of RENAULT SCENICs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 416 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,838 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
110,838
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 RENAULT SCENIC has 110,838 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2001 sits between the two at 69%.
RENAULT SCENIC by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 94% | 31 | 29,602 mi | |
| 2019 | 89% | 510 | 28,809 mi | |
| 2018 | 89% | 982 | 41,337 mi | |
| 2017 | 84% | 1,983 | 48,772 mi | |
| 2016 | 81% | 1,835 | 57,374 mi | |
| 2015 | 78% | 5,255 | 67,031 mi | |
| 2014 | 73% | 5,756 | 75,664 mi | |
| 2013 | 72% | 5,616 | 81,180 mi | |
| 2012 | 72% | 4,840 | 89,261 mi | |
| 2011 | 71% | 7,833 | 92,428 mi | |
| 2010 | 71% | 11,896 | 102,249 mi | |
| 2009 | 69% | 3,844 | 100,802 mi | |
| 2008 | 67% | 5,151 | 95,888 mi | |
| 2007 | 67% | 6,321 | 95,613 mi | |
| 2006 | 67% | 4,187 | 97,053 mi | |
| 2005 | 66% | 1,980 | 70,151 mi | |
| 2004 | 68% | 1,217 | 61,417 mi | |
| 2003 | 69% | 937 | 95,108 mi | |
| 2002 | 69% | 750 | 106,745 mi | |
| 2001 | 69% | 416 | 110,838 mi | |
| 2000 | 65% | 126 | 106,861 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2001 RENAULT SCENIC
The 2001 RENAULT SCENIC is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 416 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 110,838 miles at 25 years old, RENAULT SCENIC owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 RENAULT SCENIC Fuel Costs
The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2001 RENAULT SCENIC?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
RENAULT SCENIC Reliability Trend
Newer RENAULT SCENICs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2001 RENAULT SCENIC
At 25 years old, the RENAULT SCENIC is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2001 RENAULT SCENIC's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 25 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 111k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2001 RENAULT SCENIC stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RENAULT SCENIC(2001) | 69% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2397 |
| MINI MINI(2003) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| FORD FOCUS(2003) | 68% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£370 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2002) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2002) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£370 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Renault Models
Explore other Renault cars or similar models in the same category.
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MINI MINI
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HONDA CIVIC
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