2015 Renault Clio 1.6L Petrol · LB65 AAU

A recurring mechanical theme across this Renault Clio's MOT history is a persistent advisory on the nearside front suspension arm ball joint, first flagged in 2022, noted again in 2023 and 2024, and which has now cleared from the 2025 and 2026 test records. The 2026-05-23 pass with no defects recorded marks two consecutive clean tests, suggesting the component has either been renewed or the play has settled within acceptable tolerance, though the long-standing pattern warrants physical verification. The front brake discs and tyres were highlighted with advisories in 2023 but have not recurred, indicating these wear items were likely addressed during subsequent servicing. Overall, the trend is one of improving roadworthiness, with the most recent outcome confirming a stable mechanical condition. With 62,822 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, annual accumulation averages around 5,711 miles, which is markedly below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age. This pattern reflects either genuinely light usage or extended periods of standing, both of which carry their own mechanical considerations. Lower annual mileage generally reduces wear on drivetrain and high-cycle components such as clutches and engine internals, but long stationary periods can compromise items like brake calipers through corrosion of sliding surfaces, degrade rubber suspension bushes through dry rot, and stress the battery and exhaust system through condensation exposure. Any test drive should therefore pay particular attention to the smoothness of brake application, the absence of squealing or binding on release, and whether the suspension feels unduly harsh or noisy over minor imperfections. Given the recurring nearside front suspension arm ball joint advisory, a prospective buyer should inspect this component carefully. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clonking from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or rough tarmac, particularly over the nearside wheel, and feel for vagueness or clunking through the steering wheel when turning at low speed over uneven surfaces. With the vehicle jacked and the weight off the wheel, manual checking of the joint for free play is advisable, as ball joints that have been advised for multiple years can progress to a stage where movement exceeds DVSA pass thresholds. The control arm itself, along with the related bush and anti-roll bar link, should also be examined for perishing or splitting, given the age of the vehicle. The 2023 advisories relating to front brake disc wear and tyres worn on both edges suggest attention should be paid to the braking performance and steering geometry. During a road test, check for any judder or vibration through the brake pedal under firm application, which could indicate disc runout or uneven wear, and observe whether the vehicle pulls to either side under braking. Uneven tyre edge wear can point to misalignment of the tracking or camber, so verifying that the steering wheel sits straight and that the car tracks true on a level road is worthwhile. A thorough inspection of the underbody for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and brake pipe runs, would be prudent given the vehicle's age, even though no structural advisories have been raised to date.