2008 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · AF08 GLJ

The most recent DVSA examination on 16 January 2026 resulted in a pass, however this outcome must be viewed in context with the immediate prior test on 14 January 2026 which was failed due to a fractured nearside front coil spring. The vehicle was presumably repaired between these two dates, allowing it to return to a roadworthy condition, but this sequence is significant because it indicates an actively degrading suspension component that had not previously been flagged as fractured, only as corroded in 2025 and 2023. The pattern of advisories across multiple consecutive tests suggests a broadly stable but ageing vehicle, with recurring concerns around brake condition at the front, binding rear brake mechanism, and progressive coil spring deterioration. Each year has brought at least one advisory, and the move from advisories to a major failure in late 2025 to early 2026 illustrates a worsening trend in the suspension that warrants close attention. The recorded mileage of 95,418 miles over approximately 18 years equates to an average of around 5,300 miles annually, which is substantially below the national average and suggests either light regular use or extended periods of standing. Such a low annual mileage can be deceptive, as it does not necessarily equate to a mechanically sound vehicle; standing causes its own particular issues such as brake disc corrosion, caliper seizure from infrequent actuation, and deterioration of rubber and polymer components purely through age. The mileage record shows consistent annual accumulation with no obvious large gaps, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use rather than laid up, which is favourable, but the low total mileage still means any wear observed is more attributable to calendar age than to distance covered. Given the recurring advisories relating to the front brake pads and discs, a prospective buyer should anticipate that the pads noted as wearing thin in January 2026 will likely require replacement imminently, and the pitted and scored condition of both front discs suggests they too may be approaching the end of their service life. On a test drive, listen for brake shudder through the steering wheel under firm application, which would indicate disc distortion beyond the advisory threshold, and check for pulling to one side which could suggest uneven pad wear or a sticking caliper. The nearside rear brake has been recorded as binding across three consecutive tests from 2022 to 2024, which is a known issue on vehicles of this age where the rear caliper slide pins or handbrake mechanism seize through lack of use. This should be inspected by physically checking that both rear wheels rotate freely by hand when unladen, and the handbrake should be tested on an incline to confirm it holds and releases cleanly without dragging. Additionally, because coil springs have fractured on both the offside rear in 2022 and nearside front in early 2026, the remaining front and rear springs should be inspected for signs of surface corrosion, cracking, or sagging, and any clonking or knocking noise over uneven surfaces should be taken seriously as a precursor to further spring failure. Beyond the documented history, several age-related items merit physical inspection given that this is an eighteen year old vehicle. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on low-mileage vehicles where the rubber hardens from age rather than wearing down from use, and the DOT date code should be checked to ensure no tyre is older than around six years. The 12 volt battery is highly likely to be due for replacement given its age, and a voltage test under load should be performed. Brake fluid should be considered due for renewal regardless of the recorded mileage, as it is hygroscopic and degrades over time, typically requiring replacement every two to three years. Coolant condition and age should also be verified, as older Renault vehicles of this era can suffer from corrosion in the cooling system if the antifreeze has not been maintained. Finally, the service history should be checked for consistent stamps at appropriate intervals, with particular attention to the timing belt or chain replacement schedule, which on a 1.2 or 1.4 petrol Clio of this era is critical and overdue if not replaced within the last five years or 60,000 miles.