2004 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · DF53 UCB

The vehicle is in a poor state of roadworthiness with a worsening trend of mechanical neglect. The most recent MOT test in February 2024 at 114,489 miles resulted in a significant failure with 18 separate defects spanning safety, lighting, and structural integrity. This represents a sharp decline from the February 2023 pass, where the vehicle already showed signs of deteriorating braking efficiency. The frequency of failures suggests the owner is only addressing the minimum requirements to pass testing rather than performing preventative maintenance. At a recorded 114,489 miles, this 22-year-old Renault averages a low annual mileage of approximately 5,200 miles per year. However, the data shows a notable gap in records between October 2019 at 79,211 miles and March 2021 at 103,687 miles, where the vehicle covered over 24,000 miles in just seventeen months. This burst of heavy use, followed by longer periods of lower mileage, likely explains the accelerated degradation of rubber components and metalwork seen in the history. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and braking systems due to recurring failures. The record consistently flags worn anti-roll bar bushes, track rod ends, and fractured coil springs. Of particular concern is the braking system, which has progressed from corroded pipes and imbalanced efficiency in 2023 to a total failure for low efficiency in 2024. The presence of multiple split CV boots on the drive shafts indicates that the drivetrain joints are vulnerable to contamination and will fail rapidly if not replaced immediately. The persistent oil leak noted since 2021 indicates a long-term seal issue that remains unaddressed. Furthermore, the structural deterioration of the registration plates and the failure of the hazard lamps and battery securing suggest a lack of basic electrical attention. Given the age of the vehicle and the history of excessive corrosion on brake lines and hoses, there is a high risk of hidden structural rust that the MOT tester may not fully reveal.