2016 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · AX65 AHD

The Renault Clio’s most recent MOT history shows a concerning pattern of repeated failures without any recorded defects, culminating in a clean pass only after multiple retests in September 2025 at 118,585 miles. This suggests the vehicle was repeatedly presented for testing without addressing underlying issues, as no advisories or defects were ever logged—an unusual and red-flag scenario. The fact that it passed only after three consecutive failures implies either a last-minute fix of a critical but undocumented fault, or the tester may have overlooked a persistent problem. Given the lack of transparency in the records, a buyer should treat this as a high-risk scenario, particularly if the car has been driven since the September 2025 pass without further checks. The mileage accumulation is steady but raises questions about maintenance discipline. Between February 2024 (109,155 miles) and September 2025 (118,585 miles), the car covered roughly 9,430 miles in just over 17 months—well above the UK average annual mileage, indicating either heavy use or a period of neglect between tests. The rapid succession of failures in early 2025 (April and September) with identical mileage gaps (around 970 miles between tests) further implies the vehicle was being driven despite failing MOTs, which is illegal and suggests the previous owner either ignored the law or was unaware of the failures. The absence of any recorded defects in these retests is particularly odd, as even minor issues like worn tyres or faulty bulbs would typically be noted. Given the lack of documented faults, the buyer’s priority should be a thorough inspection of components that frequently cause silent failures or are prone to deferred maintenance in high-mileage Renault Clios. Focus on the braking system—check for uneven wear on discs and pads, binding calipers, or excessive travel in the pedal, as these are common issues that might not always trigger a fail unless severe. Suspension components, including coil springs, bushings, and ball joints, should be scrutinised for wear or corrosion, especially if the car has been driven on uneven roads. Exhaust emissions and fuel system integrity are also critical; while no failures were logged, a clogged DPF or failing O2 sensor could have been overlooked. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and the rear trailing arms, should be examined closely, as rust can compromise safety without immediate visual defects. The clean MOT pass in September 2025 offers no reassurance without further context, given the preceding failures. A buyer would be wise to demand full service records, especially for brakes, suspension, and emissions, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by an independent garage specialising in Renault diagnostics. The lack of recorded issues in the MOT history does not equate to a well-maintained vehicle—it suggests either exceptional luck or a deliberate concealment of problems. Proceed with caution.