2015 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · DY15 WFE

The 2015 Renault Clio holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 31 March 2026 at 201,134 miles, but the record reveals a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than consistent care. The most recent test was a re-test following a failure on 26 March 2026 at 201,124 miles, where the tester flagged a fractured nearside front coil spring, a binding nearside rear service brake, split constant velocity boots, and multiple lighting defects. These were resolved sufficiently to pass five days later, yet the coil spring fracture and binding brake point to underlying mechanical fatigue that warrants closer inspection. The vehicle has covered approximately 18,285 miles per year over its eleven-year life, a high annual average that accelerates wear on suspension bushes, brake components, drivetrain joints, and consumables. The mileage progression from 165,807 miles in March 2023 to 201,134 miles in March 2026 confirms sustained intensive use, with 35,327 miles added in just three years. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record, suggesting the vehicle has been kept in continuous use rather than standing idle, though the frequency of tyre-related advisories indicates basic upkeep has been reactive rather than proactive. Tyre condition has been a recurring theme across multiple tests. Advisories for worn rear tyres appeared in March 2023, March 2024, and again in March 2026, with both nearside and offside rear tyres worn to the legal limit or on the edge during the most recent failure. Front tyres were similarly flagged in 2023 and 2024. This repeated pattern across all four corners suggests the owner has been replacing tyres only when legally required rather than maintaining adequate tread depth throughout the year. On a high-mileage vehicle driven nearly 18,300 miles annually, tyre wear at this rate is expected, but the failure to address it proactively hints at a broader approach to maintenance that prioritises passing the MOT over sustained roadworthiness. The fractured nearside front coil spring identified in the March 2026 failure is the most structurally significant finding in the record. A broken coil spring compromises suspension geometry, affects handling stability, and places uneven load on the remaining spring and damper assembly. Given the vehicle's high mileage and age, the opposite-side front spring and both rear springs should be inspected for cracks, sag, or corrosion, particularly around the spring seats where stress fractures commonly initiate. The binding nearside rear caliper flagged in the same failure further raises concerns about brake system health. A binding caliper can cause uneven brake disc wear, overheating, and increased fuel consumption. The rear brake discs, pads, and caliper slide pins should be examined for corrosion and free movement, and the handbrake linkage checked for proper adjustment. The split constant velocity boot on the offside front drive shaft joint, also noted in the March 2026 failure, allows dirt and moisture into the joint, accelerating wear and leading to eventual joint failure or vibration under load. A buyer should inspect both inner and outer CV joints for play and check the condition of the protective boots. Beyond these specific faults, a thorough underbody inspection is advisable given the mileage and age. Look for corrosion on suspension mounting points, subframe mounting areas, and around the exhaust system, as well as checking for oil leaks from the engine and gearbox that may indicate deteriorating seals. The lighting defects that caused the initial failure were resolved, but wiring looms and connector blocks should be checked for chafing, particularly around the rear lamp cluster where repeated advisories suggest a recurring vulnerability.