RENAULT CLIO2014 · 1.1L PETROL

The 2014 Renault Clio presents a mixed maintenance profile, with the most recent MOT outcome requiring careful interpretation. In the January 2026 test at 94,042 miles, the tester flagged an excessively binding offside rear service brake and a worn offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. Both defects were rectified before a pass was issued on the same day. The binding rear brake is a recurring issue, having also appeared in the January 2025 failure at 85,800 miles. This pattern suggests a persistent fault in the rear braking circuit, possibly a sticking caliper, a collapsed flexible hose, or a seized handbrake mechanism on that side. The fact that it has been repaired twice indicates the underlying cause may not have been fully resolved, pointing to a reactive rather than diagnostic approach to maintenance. The mileage accumulation of roughly 7,837 miles per year is typical for a 12-year-old supermini and does not raise immediate concern. The record shows a steady progression from 79,226 miles in December 2023 to 85,800 miles in January 2025, then to 94,042 miles in January 2026. This equates to approximately 6,574 miles over the first 13-month interval and 8,242 miles over the second, suggesting slightly heavier recent use. There are no alarming gaps in the MOT history, and annual testing has been maintained consistently. The vehicle has not stood idle for prolonged periods, which reduces the risk of deterioration from sitting, such as seized brakes or flat-spotted tyres. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear braking system and front suspension. The repeated binding of the offside rear brake demands a thorough check of the caliper slide pins, piston return, and the condition of the flexible brake hose, which can act as a one-way valve when internally delaminated. The offside front lower ball joint was flagged as excessively worn in January 2026, and the offside front ball joint dust cover was noted as severely deteriorated in January 2025. These are linked concerns. A split dust cover accelerates joint wear by allowing contamination ingress, so the 2025 advisory likely preceded the 2026 failure. Inspect both front lower ball joints for play and check the wishbone bushes, which often degrade on these cars and can mimic ball joint wear. The coil spring corrosion flagged in January 2025 on both rear springs is another area to examine closely. Surface corrosion can progress to pitting, which weakens the spring and risks a sudden fracture, particularly over sharp bumps. Check the rear suspension mounting points and the spring seats for any signs of advanced pitting or cracking. While the January 2026 test recorded no advisories, the history of recurring brake and suspension faults suggests the car has not been maintained to a high preventive standard. A test drive should include a firm brake application followed by a check for heat imbalance at the rear offside wheel, and a thorough inspection of the front suspension on a ramp before any purchase commitment.