2015 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · DX65 YCT

The 2015 Renault Clio presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT activity occurred on 1 October 2025 at 56,979 miles, where the car failed on four separate items before passing the same day. A fractured nearside front coil spring constituted a serious structural suspension defect, while both headlamp aims sat below acceptable limits and the nearside rear tyre showed cracking or perishing. The fact that all four faults were rectified within a single day suggests the previous owner addressed them promptly, but the failure itself raises questions about whether routine pre-test checks were being carried out. Looking back, the trend is not clearly stable or resolving. The nearside rear tyre defect appeared again in October 2023 at 48,625 miles, making it a recurring advisory across two tests three years apart. This pattern hints at deferred basic upkeep rather than one-off consumable wear. The mileage record tells an unusual story. Between September 2022 at 40,447 miles and September 2023 at 48,625 miles, the car covered 8,178 miles in twelve months, then slowed dramatically to just 2,874 miles between September 2023 and October 2025. The current total of 56,979 miles over roughly eleven years equates to approximately 5,180 miles annually, well below the UK average. The sharp drop in usage after late 2023 could indicate the car sat unused for extended periods, which itself carries risks such as flat-spotted tyres, moisture ingress in brake fluid, and localised corrosion on brake discs and exhaust components from prolonged standing. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension, particularly the nearside coil spring that was replaced after its fracture in October 2025. Check for even ride height across both axles and listen for clunking over speed bumps that could point to worn suspension bushes or drop links. The recurring tyre cracking on the nearside rear warrants close examination of all four tyres for age-related sidewall deterioration, especially if the car has indeed been sitting unused for long stretches. Tyres older than six years should be replaced regardless of remaining tread depth. Both headlamp aim defects from the October 2025 failure should be verified as correctly set after the repair, since misaligned aim often signals impact damage or a poorly refitted unit. Brake condition deserves attention given the low-mileage, intermittent-use profile. Surface corrosion on brake discs and caliper seizure are common on vehicles that stand for weeks at a time. A road test should confirm the handbrake holds firmly on a gradient and that the service brake pulls straight without pulling or binding. The exhaust system should be inspected for corrosion from internal moisture accumulation during cold starts on a rarely driven car. Overall, the Clio is not a high-risk purchase, but the combination of a fractured spring and a recurring tyre defect means a thorough independent inspection is essential before committing.