2015 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · DX65 YCS

The vehicle presents a history dominated by recurring brake wear and suspension component fatigue, culminating in a major failure in July 2025 that highlighted critical lamp and oil system faults alongside the existing mechanical wear. While the most recent test on 1 July 2026 resulted in a pass, it was accompanied by significant advisories regarding thin front brake pads and worn discs, alongside a damaged nearside rear tyre. The record reveals a pattern of chronic brake disc pitting and scoring dating back to 2021, alongside a history of suspension issues including a fractured coil spring in 2022 and an excessively worn ball joint in 2021. This indicates a vehicle that requires immediate attention to braking components and suspension linkages rather than a straightforward purchase. With a recorded mileage of 81,836 miles as of the current date, the vehicle reflects a usage pattern of approximately 7,440 miles per year over its eleven-year lifespan, which aligns with typical domestic driving expectations. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history that would suggest long periods of inactivity, implying the car has been in regular use. This steady accumulation of distance correlates directly with the observed wear on consumables; the high annual mileage has accelerated the degradation of the front brake discs and pads, which have been flagged as worn or pitted in every test since 2021. Consequently, the mechanical components have experienced the standard wear and tear expected of a vehicle of this age and mileage, but the specific failure in 2025 suggests a period of harder driving or specific load conditions that accelerated component fatigue. Given the history of front brake disc wear and the 2021 failure regarding the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, a thorough inspection of the braking system and suspension geometry is imperative. On a test drive, listen for any grinding or squealing noises when braking, particularly at low speeds, which would indicate the pads are at the end of their life. Inspect the front discs for deep scoring or uneven wear patterns, and check the brake fluid condition, as the 2025 failure regarding the engine malfunction light and oil leak suggests potential issues with the vehicle's on-board diagnostics or cooling system that could affect braking performance. Regarding the suspension, the car previously suffered a fractured offside front coil spring and an excessively worn ball joint; check for uneven tyre wear on the front axle and look for any play in the steering wheel when the vehicle is stationary or during a slow turn to detect potential joint wear. The tyre history is particularly concerning, with multiple advisories and failures noting tyres that appear to have been driven on flat or have cuts exceeding legal limits. The 2025 failure specifically cited a missing offside front position lamp and a leaking engine, while the 2026 advisory noted a damaged nearside rear tyre. Check the condition of all four tyres for bulges, cuts, or uneven tread depth, and verify that all exterior lighting is functioning correctly, as the 2025 failure highlighted missing and non-working position lamps. Additionally, the 2025 major failure regarding the engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) inoperative indicates a potential issue with the vehicle's on-board diagnostics or a sensor failure; ensure the engine warning light is not illuminated during the test drive and that there are no fluid leaks visible underneath the engine bay or on the driveway after the vehicle has been parked.