2016 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · BP66 CAA

The most recent MOT, carried out on 30 July 2026, resulted in a pass but carried two advisories concerning the off‑side and near‑side front tyres being worn close to the legal limit, with particular edge wear noted on the off‑side. Apart from that, the test showed no failures. Looking back through the eight‑year record the vehicle has consistently passed, with a single failure in July 2025 that related to an ineffective windscreen wiper and a non‑conforming registration plate – both issues that are easily rectified and have not re‑appeared. In summary the maintenance trend appears stable; the car has remained road‑worthy with only minor, non‑critical advisories emerging in the most recent test. At ten years old the recorded 70 233 miles equates to roughly 7 000 miles per annum, which is well below the average UK usage of around 10‑12 000 miles a year. This suggests the vehicle has been driven lightly, possibly with periods of extended storage. Light mileage generally means reduced cumulative wear on engine internals, clutch, and drivetrain, but it can also indicate that components such as rubber seals, hoses and tyre compounds have aged more than they have been exercised. Consequently, age‑related degradation rather than mileage‑driven wear should be the primary focus of any inspection. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the front tyres. Verify the tread depth with a gauge; the legal minimum is 1.6 mm but for a vehicle of this age and mileage you would be prudent to replace them if any sidewall cracking, dry rot or excessive edge wear is evident, as the advisory suggests the off‑side tyre is already approaching the limit. While the tyres are being examined, check the wheel bearings for any grinding or humming noises on a low‑speed drive, and feel for any vibration that could indicate uneven tyre wear or mis‑alignment. The windscreen wiper system should be tested for effective clearing; a worn blade or weak motor can reduce visibility in rain and may have been the source of the 2025 failure. Ensure the registration plate is correctly mounted and conforms to the legal specification, as a non‑compliant plate can be a straightforward but necessary correction. Given the car’s age and relatively low mileage, also inspect items that deteriorate with time. Examine the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and consider a load test, as batteries left idle for long periods can lose capacity. Look under the vehicle for any signs of rust on the chassis, suspension bushes, and brake disc surfaces; standing for extended periods can cause surface corrosion that may lead to binding calipers or uneven braking feel. Check that the brake fluid has been changed within the last two years – fluid absorbs moisture over time and can become spongy, leading to a soft pedal. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes and that the timing belt (if applicable to this engine) has been replaced according to the manufacturer’s schedule, typically every 60 000‑80 000 miles, to avoid catastrophic engine damage.