2012 Renault Clio Dynamique Tomtom DCI 1.5L Heavy oil · DXZ 8185

This 2012 Renault Clio Dynamique TomTom dCi presents a clean and reassuring DVSA roadworthiness profile, with the most recent test on 5 September 2026 sitting alongside a sequence of passes and isolated failures that returned no recorded defects. Across the available history the car has passed three consecutive MOTs with no advisories whatsoever, demonstrating consistent compliance with the structural, braking, lighting, and emissions standards applied to vehicles of this age. The two failed entries, recorded on 16 December 2025 and 1 December 2023, both show zero defects, which in practice typically indicates the vehicle was presented before a previous test had expired or withdrawn rather than being refused for mechanical reasons, and the immediate re-presentations and subsequent passes confirm that no underlying fault was carried forward. There is no evidence of chronic advisories, no repeat component flagging, and no deterioration in test outcomes, which collectively suggest the braking system, suspension, exhaust, and structural underbody have all remained within satisfactory condition through to the latest assessment. The recorded mileage of 128,152 miles spread across roughly fourteen years equates to an average annual accumulation of around 9,150 miles, which sits squarely within the expected band for a diesel supermini of this vintage used as general everyday transport. There are no conspicuous gaps in testing history that would imply a prolonged period off the road, and the steady progression implied between tests is consistent with regular rather than seasonal or intermittent use. This kind of consistent mileage pattern is mechanically favourable for a Clio dCi because the engine, clutch, turbocharger, diesel particulate filter, and dual-mass flywheel all benefit from regular running to avoid the oil glazing, DPF saturation, and condensation corrosion that can afflict diesel cars that are either left standing for long stretches or subjected only to short urban trips. Equally, the mileage is not so high as to suggest the vehicle has been run continuously at maximum load, which is positive for the longevity of the injectors and timing belt service intervals. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means the standard Clio dCi weak points have not yet been flagged by the testing station, but they remain worth scrutinising on inspection. The rear trailing arm bushes and front wishbone bushes on this generation of Clio are well known to perish with age and mileage, so a test drive should include firm cornering and a low-speed pass over speed humps to listen for clonking or knocking from the suspension, particularly from the rear axle. The steering should feel tight without any looseness or clicking through the lock, and the front wheels should turn smoothly without vibration, as worn drop links or top mounts can develop without immediately producing an MOT failure. Underneath, the subframe mounting points, brake pipes running along the chassis, and the exhaust downpipe and EGR area should be inspected for surface corrosion and oil staining, given the vehicle's age and the typical exposure of these components to road salt. Braking performance should be evaluated carefully despite the clean test record, as the rear drum brakes fitted to this model can develop binding or imbalance that is only detectable through feel rather than a visual test. The pedal should feel firm and progressive without any judder under braking, and the handbrake should hold firmly on an incline without needing excessive travel. On the diesel engine side, the oil filler cap should be checked for creamy residue indicative of head gasket wear, the coolant reservoir should show clean fluid without mayonnaise-like contamination, and a cold start should produce smooth running without excessive smoke, as a worn turbo or ageing DPF can begin to show symptoms around this mileage band even if not yet reflected in the MOT record. Finally, confirming that the timing belt, clutch, and dual-mass flywheel have been serviced in line with manufacturer schedules would provide additional reassurance for a diesel Clio now entering its mid-teens.