2016 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · CF16 AOC

A pattern of front suspension deterioration and recurring tyre damage defines the mechanical story of this 2016 Renault Clio. The most recent test on 19 January 2026 produced a pass alongside an advisory for light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber, but on the same date a separate failure was recorded for an offside rear tyre with a cut deep enough to expose the ply or cords. Looking at the broader trend, the 2025 test cycle was particularly concerning, flagging two major defects: a fractured offside front coil spring and a split nearside front outer CV joint boot allowing dirt ingress. The 2024 cycle similarly produced two majors, covering mismatched front tyre sizes on the same axle and an inoperative nearside rear stop lamp, while the 2023 cycle included a failed wiper, a nearside rear tyre cut down to the cords, and advisories for inner-edge nearside front tyre wear and a tyre pressure warning light. Across four years of testing the vehicle has produced four failures, two of them in the most recent two years, and a recurring theme of front-end suspension wear and damaged tyres. This is not a record demonstrating consistent roadworthiness; the frequency of major defects and the repetition of similar issues year on year are material concerns. Annual mileage of approximately 8,519 over ten years places this Clio broadly in line with typical usage for its age, meaning the wear observed on the record is not unusually accelerated by high-mileage driving. There are no significant gaps between annual January test dates from 2023 through 2026, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for extended periods. The relatively even accumulation does not, however, offset the nature of the defects recorded, because the components failing a fractured coil spring, perished CV boot, and damaged tyres are typically associated with the kind of kerb impacts, pothole strikes, or neglected routine inspection that produce these specific failure modes. The mileage itself is unremarkable, but it underscores that the car has been in active service throughout the period covered by the MOT history. A prospective buyer should focus the pre-purchase inspection on the front suspension and steering assemblies, since the offside front coil spring fracture in 2025 and the offside front shock absorber oil misting noted in 2026 indicate stress in that corner of the vehicle. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front over uneven surfaces, which can point to weakened or collapsed springs, worn top mounts, or deteriorating drop links and anti-roll bar bushes; any bottoming out over modest bumps would be a particular concern given the spring failure on record. Inspect the shock absorbers themselves for fresh oil staining or dampness around the offside front unit and check that the vehicle sits level with no obvious corner sag. The CV joint boot flagged in 2025 should also be physically inspected by hand for any fresh splits, cracks, or grease flung onto the surrounding suspension components, as CV gaiters typically fail again once they have been replaced with cheap parts; listen for clicking or juddering under full steering lock at low speed, which would indicate joint damage from contaminant ingress. The repeated tyre defects warrant particular attention during a viewing. Mismatched axle sizes were a failure item in 2024, so confirm that all four fitted tyres are now the correct 205/45/17 specification and that the sidewalls are free from cuts, bulges, or exposed cord, especially on the offside rear where cuts deep enough to reach the ply were flagged in both 2023 and 2026. Check the nearside front inner edge for uneven wear, as the 2023 advisory noted bold wear on that shoulder, often symptomatic of alignment geometry issues, worn wishbone bushes, or a failing track rod end; a slow-speed run over a flat road will reveal any pulling to one side or a steering wheel that sits off-centre. Finally, verify that both rear stop lamps illuminate correctly, confirm the wipers clear the screen effectively across the full swept area, and inspect the underbody and subframe for corrosion, paying particular attention to brake pipes and suspension mounting points given the age of the vehicle and the pattern of component failures recorded.