2016 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · BL16 PZX

The most recent MOT on 24 January 2026 recorded a pass, but the same day also flagged a major failure for the nearside front all‑direction indicators, meaning the vehicle would not have been legally road‑worthy until that fault was rectified. Over the past four years the car has alternated between passes with minor advisories and occasional failures – a dangerous tyre‑tread failure in early 2024, a minor mirror defect and a registration‑plate lamp fault in 2022, and a front‑indicator failure in 2026. This pattern suggests a generally stable maintenance regime punctuated by isolated component failures rather than a progressive deterioration of the whole vehicle. With just 39,398 mi recorded on a ten‑year‑old 2016 Clio the average annual mileage works out at roughly 3,900–4,000 mi, well below the UK average of about 7,500 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or long storage intervals, which can be as consequential as high mileage: rubber components may perish, seals can dry out, and batteries may lose capacity even though the wear on moving parts such as the clutch, gearbox and suspension is likely to be modest. The mileage figure therefore reduces the likelihood of wear‑related failures but raises the need to check for age‑related degradation. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front lighting circuit, confirming that the nearside front indicators function correctly and that all other lamp units illuminate without flicker; a faulty indicator often stems from a burnt‑out bulb, corroded connector or a failing flasher unit, and may be accompanied by intermittent dimming or a noticeable click on the dash. The near‑front tyre was previously noted as close to the legal limit and the 2023 advisory highlighted slight cracking or perishing on all four tyres, so a thorough visual inspection of tread depth, sidewall integrity and any uneven wear is essential – listen for a hollow thump or vibration on cornering that could indicate a deteriorating tyre or a mis‑aligned suspension. The front mirror was recorded as slightly damaged in 2022; ensure the glass is secure, the adjustment mechanism works smoothly and the reflective surface is clear, as a compromised mirror can affect driver visibility and may be a symptom of mounting corrosion. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, time‑based maintenance items should be addressed even if they have not yet caused a MOT failure. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening, especially if the car has spent long periods stationary, and consider replacing them if any perishing is evident. Examine the suspension bushings, ball joints and coil springs for signs of corrosion or loss of compliance, listening for clunks when applying the brakes or steering over bumps. Check the brake discs for surface rust or glazing and verify that the calipers move freely without binding; any shudder or pulsation under braking could indicate disc wear or seized pistons. The 12 V battery, likely over ten years old, should be load‑tested for cranking power and checked for electrolyte level or swelling, and all engine fluids – coolant, brake fluid, gearbox oil and engine oil – ought to be replaced according to calendar intervals, as fluid degradation can occur irrespective of mileage. A full service book review and a professional pre‑purchase inspection will give the buyer confidence that the Clio’s low‑mileage advantage is not offset by age‑related wear.