2017 Renault Clio 1.2L Petrol · AH11 MME

The most recent MOT test on 28 May 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, following an equally clean result in June 2025 and a further pass in October 2024. Taken collectively, the trajectory across the most recent three tests demonstrates a stable and improving maintenance profile, with all previously flagged items either rectified or no longer reported. However, the longer view does reveal two clear clusters of concern. The November 2021 test produced a Dangerous failure on both front brake discs, indicating that at the time the braking system was in a seriously weakened condition. Then in late 2023 the vehicle failed on a heavily worn offside front suspension arm ball joint, a cut nearside rear tyre exposing ply or cords, and a badly distorted offside rear road wheel, with an advisory also raised on the nearside front wheel for slight distortion. The fact that subsequent tests have passed cleanly suggests these issues were properly addressed, but a prospective buyer should not assume permanence and should verify the nature and quality of the remedial work undertaken. With 51,102 miles recorded over approximately nine years, this Clio averages around 5,678 miles per annum, which is notably low for the model and age. Such modest annual usage can indicate either a second car, a primarily urban commuter, or extended periods of standing between uses. While low mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components, it places greater emphasis on age-related degradation, particularly of rubber and composite components, and on issues that arise from prolonged inactivity such as corrosion of brake surfaces and seizure of sliding mechanisms within the braking system. There is no evidence of rapid mileage accumulation that would point to motorway-heavy use, and the gaps between tests appear consistent with the stated odometer progression. For a vehicle of this age and standing-prone usage pattern, several physical inspections are worthwhile regardless of the clean recent MOT results. The tyres warrant close scrutiny for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age irrespective of tread depth, and any tyres fitted before 2020 should be regarded as due for replacement on age grounds even if legally serviceable. The braking system should be examined for surface corrosion on the discs, particularly if the vehicle has stood for extended periods, and the caliper guide pins and sliding sleeves should be checked for binding, which commonly manifests as uneven pad wear, pulling to one side under braking, or a reluctance of the caliper to retract fully leading to dragging and premature disc scoring. The front suspension, given the 2023 ball joint failure, deserves careful attention, including a road test over uneven surfaces to listen for clonking or knocking from the front end, a visual check of the condition and security of the rubber bushes in the front lower arms, and verification that the replacement ball joint is of original equipment specification rather than a budget component of uncertain durability. In addition to the suspension and braking checks, several time-based service items deserve attention in any nine-year-old vehicle. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries typically require replacement every five to six years and a failing unit may not yet be causing starting difficulties but will be approaching end of life. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and should have been renewed at intervals not exceeding two years irrespective of mileage, so the service book should be examined for a dated brake fluid entry and the fluid itself inspected for dark discolouration. Engine coolant and the timing belt or cam belt, if fitted with the 0.9 or 1.2 petrol units, should be confirmed as within manufacturer replacement intervals, with the cam belt typically due at five years or 60,000 miles, whichever is sooner, and a missing or overdue replacement representing a significant risk of engine damage. Finally, given the historical issues with wheel distortion noted in 2022 and 2023, all four wheels should be inspected for lateral or radial run-out on the vehicle and for signs of impact damage, with a test drive conducted at motorway speeds to confirm the steering is centred and free from tremor or tramlining which could indicate residual wheel or suspension concerns.