2012 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · HV51 ARV
2012 Renault Clio (1.1L, petrol). First registered 30 Apr 2012. Recorded mileage 54,139 miles. MOT expired on 09 Sept 2026. Taxed until 01 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- RENAULT CLIO
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Portsmouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 09 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Feb 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 54,139 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
HV51 ARV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 19/08/2025
- 54,139 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
HV51 ARV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Renault Clio (HV51 ARV) between September 2023 and August 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 19 August 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Central Front Obligatory mirror missing (3.3 (a))”; “Nearside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”.
HV51 ARV Mileage History
- 08/09/202345,756 mi
- 20/08/202452,065 mi+6,309 mi
- 22/08/202452,065 mi
- 19/08/202554,139 mi+2,074 mi
- 19/08/202554,139 mi
Average of roughly 4,307 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Renault Clio Mk3
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A sensible low-mileage choice for city drivers looking for an economical small hatchback. While it shows a history of minor avoidable MOT failures, the overall low mileage suggests it has plenty life left if maintained properly.
The primary draw of this Clio is its low mileage, having covered only about 28,000 miles in the last five years. You should verify that the service history is consistent, particularly regarding the 2019 advisory for a minor oil leak at 26,000 miles to ensure it has been addressed or monitored. Check the condition of the bulbs, as this car has failed MOTs multiple times for non-functional position and headlamps.
When negotiating, consider the state of the suspension. The 2024 failure for a fractured front coil spring indicates that components are beginning to age, so ensure they have been replaced. Also, inspect the tyres thoroughly; the history shows previous issues with perishing and uneven wear, suggesting the car may have sat for long periods in the past.
The 1149cc engine is designed for efficiency, likely falling into a low insurance group, making it affordable for first-time buyers or students. As a small petrol hatchback, fuel economy should be competitive, averaging around 45-50 MPG depending on driving.
Maintenance costs for this model are generally low, though you should budget for regular brake component and bulb replacements. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, and routine maintenance, are likely between £900 and £1,100.
Pay close attention to the front suspension area. Given the 2024 MOT failure due to a broken nearside front coil spring, check for any knocking noises or uneven handling when driving over bumps. You should also inspect the front brake discs and pads, as the 2023 MOT noted them as being thin and worn/pitted.
Examine the electrical system. The vehicle has a history of failed position lamps, headlamps, and fog lamps; ensure all external lighting is functioning correctly to avoid an immediate MOT return. Additionally, check the engine bay for any signs of the oil leak mentioned in the 2019 records to ensure it has not worsened over time.
This 2012 Renault Clio has covered a modest 54,139 miles, which is significantly below the average for a 14-year-old vehicle. The 1.2L petrol engine is suited for urban environments, and the MOT history shows a consistent pattern of passing. Although it has faced several failures related to lighting and suspension, these are typical wear items rather than catastrophic mechanical failures.
The early 1.2L petrol Renault Clio is generally regarded for its simplicity, though it requires regular attention to plastic trim and electrical components.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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RENAULT CLIO Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2012 model year cars.
- Wiper linkage seizureModerate
The wiper linkage pivots seize through corrosion and lack of lubrication, overloading the motor and eventually leaving the wipers painfully slow or completely inoperative.
- Front coil spring snappingModerate
A classic UK Renault MOT issue. The bottom coil can corrode and snap, sometimes unnoticed until an MOT or until it damages a tyre.
- Key-card and UCH electrical faultsModerate
The key card itself and the associated body-control electronics can cause intermittent unlocking, non-starts and random electrical quirks.
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