2015 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · DS15 AEC

The most recent DVSA examination on 19 May 2026 resulted in a Pass, although three advisories were issued which warrant close attention. The first concerns offside front brake pads wearing thin, while the other two flag both front tyres as worn close to the legal limit and bald on the inner edge, recorded as 195/55/16. Looking at the broader pattern, the advisory list has expanded over successive tests rather than diminished, with brake pad wear noted in 2025 and again in 2026, and tyre wear advisories appearing in both 2025 and 2026. The 2024 test also produced a failure for a fractured offside front coil spring, alongside recurring brake pipe corrosion advisories stretching back to 2023. This trajectory suggests a vehicle whose maintenance demands are increasing rather than tapering, and a prospective buyer should anticipate near-term replacement of brake pads, front tyres, and a continued watch on the front brake pipework. The recorded mileage of 72,515 miles over approximately eleven years equates to an annual average of around 6,592 miles, which is broadly typical for a small hatchback of this age and is consistent with the mileage increments shown between MOT tests. There are no obvious extended gaps or sudden spikes in usage that would indicate long periods of standing or unusually high wear accumulation. This level of use generally keeps consumables moving at a moderate pace and avoids the worst excesses of either high-mileage mechanical fatigue or low-mileage calendar-related degradation, though the vehicle is now of an age where age-related deterioration of rubber, fluids, and electrical components becomes a relevant consideration regardless of mileage. Given the recurring brake and front suspension items, particular attention should be paid to the front brake installation. The advisories indicate the offside front pads are thinning, and the same area was flagged a year earlier, so a test drive should include several firm stops from moderate speed to check for any grinding, pulling to one side, or vibration through the steering wheel. The nearside front was not specifically called out for pad wear, but if the offside is now thin it would be prudent to verify the nearside condition as well. The offside front brake pipe was noted as corroded and coated in grease or other material in 2023, 2024, and again in 2024 post-failure, which suggests a long-standing surface corrosion issue. Corroded brake pipes are a safety-critical concern as they can eventually weep or fail under hydraulic pressure, so the pipe should be physically inspected for any rust scale, pitting, or flaking, and any evidence of fresh fluid residue around the unions or along the pipe run should be treated seriously. The fractured offside front coil spring in 2024 will have been replaced for the vehicle to pass, but it is worth noting that Renault Clios of this era are known for front coil spring failure, so a careful listen for any suspension clunk or knock over speed humps and uneven road surfaces is advisable, along with a check for uneven front tyre wear which may indicate a weakened spring. Beyond the recorded items, this 2015 Clio is now over a decade old and several age-related checks are worth conducting regardless of the MOT history. The tyres being replaced offer a good opportunity to inspect the wheels for kerb damage and to confirm the spare or repair kit is present and serviceable. Brake discs on a vehicle of this age and mileage are likely approaching the point where they may be due for replacement, particularly given repeated pad wear advisories, and a stuttering or pulsing sensation under braking would suggest disc warping. Although the annual mileage is moderate, age alone brings concerns such as 12V battery degradation, so the battery should be tested for cranking strength, and the charging system verified. Coolant and brake fluid are hygroscopic and degrade on a calendar basis rather than by mileage, so both should be replaced if their service history cannot be confirmed, and the timing chain or belt interval should be checked against the manufacturer schedule as this is now well within the range where such attention becomes relevant. A final visual check underneath the vehicle for oil leaks, exhaust corrosion, and any signs of structural repair would round off a sensible pre-purchase inspection.