2013 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · BL62 AKJ

The Renault Clio in question has maintained a clean MOT history since its most recent test on 2 February 2026, passing without any recorded defects at 56,718 miles. This suggests the vehicle has been consistently roadworthy for the past 17 months, with no recurring failures or advisories. The absence of any major faults in the last two tests—including the January 2025 retest—indicates that any issues identified at that stage were either resolved promptly or not severe enough to recur. However, the single failure in January 2025, despite occurring just two days before the subsequent pass, raises a minor concern: the nature of the defect was not documented, leaving a small ambiguity about whether it was a one-off oversight or an undetected underlying problem. Overall, the trend is stable, but the lack of transparency in the failed test warrants closer scrutiny of components prone to intermittent failure, such as brake binding or suspension alignment. The recorded mileage of 56,718 miles over 13 years—approximately 4,363 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, especially given the Clio’s typical usage patterns. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests (1,186 miles in 13 months) and the subsequent 2024–2025 interval (1,186 miles again) suggests the car was either stored or driven very lightly during those periods. This low mileage could imply deferred maintenance, as some owners delay servicing when a vehicle isn’t used frequently. The January 2025 failure, occurring just 10 miles after the previous pass, further hints at potential neglect—whether in pre-test preparation or genuine mechanical issues. While the 2025–2026 period saw a slight increase in mileage (2,071 miles in 14 months), the overall pattern does not align with typical high-mileage wear, meaning some components may have been underutilised and thus less worn than expected. Given the lack of documented faults, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension and steering systems, as these are common areas for hidden deterioration even in low-mileage vehicles. Check for worn suspension bushes, corroded coil spring mounts, or uneven tyre wear that could indicate alignment issues. The brakes, though not flagged in tests, should be examined for uneven pad thickness, glazed discs, or binding calipers—especially since the 2025 failure could have been brake-related. Corrosion is another critical factor; inspect wheel arches, sills, and underbody for rust penetration, as low mileage doesn’t guarantee structural integrity. Finally, verify that all advisories from past tests (if any were issued outside the record) were addressed, as the absence of defects in this record does not preclude minor, non-failing issues. Given the sparse MOT data, a pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas is strongly advised.