2012 Renault Megane 1.5L Diesel · BP62 PXF

The most recent MOT, conducted on 3 November 2025 at 106,320 miles, resulted in a pass, yet the record reveals a maintenance trend that is neither stable nor fully resolving. The tester flagged an offside front coil spring corrosion and slight external damage to both rear shock absorber casings as advisories. These are not new issues. The offside front coil spring corrosion advisory first appeared in the October 2024 test at 77,970 miles and has persisted unchanged for over a year, covering nearly 28,350 miles. This suggests the corrosion is being tolerated rather than remedied. The rear shock absorber condition has also deteriorated from "corroded" in October 2024 to "slight external damage to the casing" by November 2025, indicating the units are degrading and likely approaching the end of their serviceable life. The mileage progression shows a notable gap and a period of rapid accumulation. Between the clean pass on 8 November 2023 at 69,936 miles and the October 2024 test at 77,970 miles, the car covered 8,034 miles in roughly eleven months. However, between that October 2024 test and the November 2025 test, the odometer jumped by 28,350 miles in just over a year, a significant increase to roughly 27,000 miles per year. This sharp rise implies sustained high-speed or long-distance driving, which accelerates wear on consumables and structural components alike. The sparse record, with only two tests in the last three years, makes it harder to pinpoint exactly when certain faults developed, but the recent high-mileage use is clearly reflected in the advisory pattern. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and rear damping components. The persistent offside front coil spring corrosion warrants close scrutiny for section loss or cracking, as a fractured spring directly compromises structural integrity and wheel control. Both rear shock absorbers show progressive external damage and corrosion; check for oil misting indicating seal failure and test for excessive bounce. The October 2024 failure flagged excessive play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, which was rectified for the pass, but the nearside still had slight play. Inspect both track rod ends and the inner tie rod boots for splits, as steering linkage wear often returns under high-mileage use. Rear brake binding was noted as not excessive, yet combined with thin rear pads and corroded shocks, the entire rear axle deserves a thorough check for caliper slide pin seizure and handbrake mechanism condition. Tyre condition and basic upkeep also raise questions. The October 2024 test flagged an offside front tyre worn on its inner edge, a classic sign of toe misalignment or worn suspension bushes, alongside perishing rear tyres. The November 2025 test recorded no tyre advisories, suggesting replacements were fitted, but the underlying alignment and bush wear should still be verified. The insecure rear exhaust shield from 2024 may have been refitted, though a physical check underneath is wise to confirm the heat shield is secure and the exhaust system free from corrosion or gas leaks. Overall, the car is roadworthy on paper, but the recurring suspension advisories and sudden mileage surge point to deferred maintenance that a buyer must investigate before purchase.