2015 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · DF65 KMA

The most recent MOT, carried out on 7 November 2025, was passed but recorded advisories concerning the near‑side and off‑side front tyres being close to the legal tread limit. Over the past six years the vehicle has shown a mixed picture: early tests in 2020, 2021 and 2022 were clean, a failure in late 2021 was limited to a TPMS fault, and a more serious failure in November 2023 required replacement of a front headlamp and rectification of an inadequate washer system before a subsequent pass was achieved. Since then the MOT record has been free of failures, with only recurring advisories for tyre wear, TPMS illumination, corrosion of the exhaust, sump and rear coil springs. This suggests a generally stable maintenance trend, though the persistence of corrosion and tyre‑wear warnings indicates that age‑related deterioration is being managed rather than eliminated. At 75,096 miles the car averages roughly 6,800 miles per year, well below the UK average for a vehicle of its 2015 vintage. The relatively low annual mileage points to periods of light use or extended storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage in terms of rubber and metal ageing. Low utilisation often leads to tyre sidewall perishing, battery sulphation, and the development of rust on components that sit idle, while the modest mileage means that wear items such as clutch discs, timing belt (if fitted) and engine bearings are likely still within their service lives, provided they have been serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s calendar intervals. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front tyres, measuring tread depth across the centre and edges and inspecting the sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or bulging, as the MOT advisories indicate they are approaching the minimum legal depth. Verify that the TPMS indicator functions correctly and that all four wheels register the correct pressure after a brief warm‑up. Examine the exhaust system and sump for any active rust, flaking paint or perforations, and check the rear coil springs for surface corrosion that could compromise spring rate; a clunk or change in ride height when loading the rear seats would be a symptom of deteriorated springs. Confirm that the near‑side front headlamp illuminates fully on dipped beam and that the washer system delivers a steady spray, as these were previously flagged as faults. Given the vehicle’s age and modest mileage, also inspect the battery for signs of sulphation or reduced cranking power, and consider a load test. Look for corrosion on the chassis rails, wheel arches and under‑carriage, especially where the sump and exhaust were noted as corroded, and ensure that any rust is surface‑level rather than structural. Verify that brake discs are free of deep scoring or excessive rust, that pads have adequate thickness, and that there is no pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes. Finally, request any service book stamps or receipts to confirm that oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed at the recommended intervals, as time‑based fluid degradation can affect reliability even on a low‑mileage car.