Renault Scenic (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,217 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,144

£179/month

MOT Pass Rate

68%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1461cc Diesel

Proceed With Caution

68% pass rate, £2,144/year to run. 14 points below average.

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Diesel1461cc22 years old1,217 tests61k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1461cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,144

Per month£179/mo

Per week£41/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

68% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Renault brand average of 80%.

68% of MOT tests on Renault Scenics from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 1,217 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 61,417 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models365th of 470(bottom 23%)

Rank among Renault models532nd of 615(bottom 14%)

vs average of all models-14%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average-4%(72% avg)

vs Renault average-12%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

61,417

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Renault Scenic had 61,417 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2004 scores 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Ford Fiesta

2006 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

70%

+2%

Volkswagen Golf

2006 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

+4%

Vauxhall Astra

2006 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

70%

+2%

Volkswagen Polo

2006 · 1400cc Diesel

£2,144/year

68%

same

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About the 2004 Renault Scenic

The 2004 Renault Scenic is a small family car. Our records list a 1461cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,217 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 23% of 2004 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 61,417 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Renault Scenic owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

2004 Renault Scenic Fuel Costs

The 1461cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2004 Renault Scenic?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,144 (£179/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Renault Scenic Reliability Trend

Newer Renault Scenics pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2004 Renault Scenic

At 22 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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 68% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2004 Renault Scenic stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Renault Scenic(2004)	68%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£2,144
Ford Fiesta(2006)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£200
Volkswagen Golf(2006)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£83
Vauxhall Astra(2006)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944-£200
Volkswagen Polo(2006)	68%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£2,144same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2004 Renault Scenic

Is the 2004 Renault Scenic reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 2004 Renault Scenics ended in a pass, from 1,217 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Renault Scenic cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,144 a year (£179 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Renault Scenic?

68% of 1,217 MOT tests on the 2004 Renault Scenic ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 365th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom 23%).

Which year Renault Scenic has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 Renault Scenic has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 2000 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Renault Scenic?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Renault Scenic is 61,417 miles, which is significantly below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.