Used Renault Scenic

What to know before buying: Renault Scenic

From 2 video reviews and 2 press tests · updated 24/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The facelifted first-generation Scenic is roomy and highly configurable: each rear seat can be adjusted, folded or removed separately.[2]one sourceFirst-generation facelift
• Scenic II owners praise its long-distance comfort, easy handling, large boot and numerous small-item storage spaces.[3]one sourceScenic II
• The Scenic III is a practical family car: the Grand offers seven seats and a very large boot, while the body is generally well protected from corrosion.[1]one sourceScenic III
• Scenic II ownership experiences vary widely: some cars cover high mileages without major trouble, while others require numerous electrical and mechanical repairs.[4]one sourceScenic II

Typical faults

• On the Scenic III, sharp edges on the tailgate trim can rub through paint; moisture and road chemicals can also promote sill corrosion.[1]one sourceScenic III

  2009–2016

• The Scenic III scuttle panel can deteriorate with age, while leaf-blocked drains may allow water into the cabin.[1]one sourceScenic III

  2009–2016

• Scenic III electronic parking-brake wiring can break near the plugs, while moisture may corrode the contacts and disable the actuator.[1]one sourceScenic III

  2009–2016

• The Siemens piezo injectors used on Scenic III 1.5 dCi engines are not especially durable and are not properly rebuildable.[1]one sourceScenic III

  2009–2016 · 1.5 dCi

• Scenic III 1.2 and 1.4 TCe engines were reported in Europe for excessive oil consumption addressed by manufacturer workshops.[1]one sourceScenic III

  2009–2016 · 1.2 TCe, 1.4 TCe

• The Scenic II digital instrument cluster is repeatedly described as a typical failure by multiple owners.[3][4]Scenic II

  2003–2009

Which engine and version to take

• The source rates the Scenic III 1.5 dCi K9K as very reliable, though its injectors and cold-running behaviour still warrant checks.[1]one sourceScenic III
• The Scenic III 2.0 dCi paired with the Jatco automatic is described as a highly reliable powertrain combination.[1]one sourceScenic III
• For pre-facelift Scenic IIIs, the source notes no major issues with the naturally aspirated 1.6 MPI and 2.0; owners reported no oil use or chain noise up to 200,000 km.[1]one sourceScenic III

What to avoid

• Consider a Scenic III 1.2 or 1.4 TCe only after a careful oil-consumption check, as excessive oil use has been reported.[1]one sourceScenic III

What to check at the inspection

• On a Scenic III, inspect beneath the tailgate trim for rubbed paint and check the sills and underside for corrosion.[1]one sourceScenic III
• Check the scuttle area, drains and carpets: leaves can block drainage and send water into the cabin.[1]one sourceScenic III
• Test the Scenic III electronic parking brake and inspect its wiring near the rear calipers for breaks, moisture and corrosion.[1]one sourceScenic III
• Cross-check Scenic III mileage against the engine and ABS modules, as an odometer-correction emulator may have been fitted to the cluster.[1]one sourceScenic III
• Cold-start a Scenic III 1.5 dCi K9K 636 and monitor idle and acceleration, as low temperatures can bring unstable revs and knock.[1]one sourceScenic III
• On a Scenic II, test the digital cluster, electronic parking brake, every window regulator and the climate system; these recur in owner reports.[3][4]Scenic II

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]АвтоСтронг — 🥐 Недорого и ПОЧТИ БЕЗ НЕПРИЯТНОСТЕЙ: какие ПРОБЛЕМЫ скрывает Renault Grand Scenic 3. · ▶ video
2. [2]AvtoBRO — First-generation RENAULT SCENIC Review! · ▶ video
3. [3]whatcar.lv — Renault Scenic minivens (03-09) Atsauksmes par auto · press
4. [4]foroclub.es — Problemas con Scenic II al llegar a casi 10 años · press

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