2006 Renault Clio 1.4L Petrol · SU06 AAE

Recurring issues with the braking system and steering components characterise this vehicle's recent MOT history, with several consecutive years of advisories and failures. The most recent test on 14 October 2025 resulted in a pass, but it follows a failure the previous day due to an inoperative nearside rear parking brake. The record shows a persistent pattern of brake-related concerns, including pitted or scored front discs, a corroded nearside front brake pipe, and fluctuating service brakes. Furthermore, steering rack play has been noted as a recurring advisory since at least August 2023, indicating a continuing issue with the steering linkage. The vehicle has covered 135,497 miles over its approximately 20-year lifespan, which equates to an average annual usage of roughly 6,775 miles. This represents a relatively low annual mileage for a vehicle of this age. While lower mileage can sometimes suggest less wear on drivetrain components, the recorded history of component failures, such as a fractured nearside front coil spring in 2023 and repeated brake issues, suggests that the mechanical condition is more closely linked to component age and environmental degradation rather than high-frequency usage. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the braking and steering systems during a physical inspection and test drive. The presence of a corroded brake pipe and pitted discs suggests that the braking hardware is nearing the end of its effective life. On a test drive, listen for any uneven pulling or vibration through the brake pedal, which could relate to the recorded brake fluctuations and scored discs. Additionally, the advisory regarding play in the steering rack inner joints should be investigated; you should feel for any looseness, wandering, or a notched sensation in the steering wheel when making small adjustments at low speeds. The persistent advisory for an oil leak, which has appeared in every test since October 2024, warrants a close visual inspection of the engine bay and underbody to determine the source and rate of the leak. While the most recent record notes the leak is not excessive, the continued presence of this issue alongside recurring parking brake failures and steering play indicates a vehicle with multiple areas of wear that require monitoring. Ensure the parking brake is fully tested for holding strength on an incline to confirm the previous major failure has been adequately rectified.