2004 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · AX04 HCK

This Renault Clio’s most recent MOT test, conducted just five months ago on 12 December 2025, resulted in a failure—despite no defects being recorded. The absence of specific fault codes means the failure was likely administrative (e.g., incomplete paperwork, minor non-mechanical issues), but the pattern of repeated failures at the same mileage—twice in 2023 and again in 2024—suggests either a persistent procedural oversight or a vehicle that has been kept off the road for extended periods. The latest failure, however, is unusually recent, indicating the car was only tested within the past half-year. This could imply either a last-minute compliance check or a vehicle that has been stored rather than actively driven. The recorded mileage of 123,273 miles over nearly 22 years equates to an average of just 5,600 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The largest mileage gap occurs between the 2023 tests (115,725 miles) and the 2024 tests (121,901 miles), a span of 18 months with only 6,176 miles accumulated—suggesting prolonged inactivity. The final 1,372 miles between the 2024 failure and the 2025 test further supports this trend. Such low mileage may indicate the car has been parked for significant periods, which could accelerate wear on components like seals, fluids, and suspension bushes due to static stress. Given the lack of specific defect details in the MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of high-wear areas that often go unnoticed in low-mileage vehicles. The suspension—particularly the rear bushes and coil springs—should be checked for cracking or excessive play, as these can degrade even when the car is stationary. Brake calipers and discs should be examined for binding or uneven wear, especially if the vehicle has been stored with the brakes applied. Structural integrity is also critical; inspect the sills, wheel arches, and subframe for corrosion, as rust can compromise the chassis over time without significant mileage. Finally, verify the condition of the battery, fluids (brake, power steering, coolant), and hoses, as these degrade over prolonged inactivity rather than mileage. The absence of advisories in past tests does not guarantee these areas are sound.