2018 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · FN18 VGP

The Renault Clio’s most recent MOT test on 2025-11-05 at 26,132 miles confirms it passed without defects, but the preceding history reveals a concerning pattern of neglect. The only failure in this record—a minor tyre defect on the offside rear in November 2024—was remedied before the next test, yet its recurrence in a single area suggests basic maintenance was overlooked. The absence of advisories or repeated faults on critical systems like suspension, brakes, or emissions implies no serious underlying issues, but the irregular tyre issue hints at inconsistent care. For a vehicle of this age, even a single tyre-related failure warrants scrutiny, as it may indicate poor storage or delayed attention to wear. The mileage progression from 17,190 miles in July 2022 to 26,132 miles today—averaging around 3,266 miles annually—is unusually low for a car of this vintage, particularly given the gaps between tests. The largest jump occurred between July 2023 (18,094 miles) and November 2023 (18,767 miles), a mere 673 miles in four months, followed by a near-stagnant period until November 2024. Such prolonged inactivity raises questions about storage conditions, which could accelerate tyre degradation, suspension corrosion, or battery drain. The lack of intermediate MOTs between 2023 and 2024 also means critical wear—such as brake pad thickness or suspension bush deterioration—could have gone unchecked. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the offside rear tyre and adjacent wheel components, as the 2024 defect suggests potential hidden damage or improper inflation. Given the low mileage and extended storage periods, the suspension’s rubber bushes and coil springs should be checked for perishing or dry-rotting, especially if the vehicle was kept outdoors. Brake discs and calipers, while not flagged in tests, may have experienced uneven wear due to infrequent use, so binding or uneven pad contact should be tested. Finally, the underbody and wheel arches should be examined for corrosion, as static vehicles are more susceptible to rust development in critical areas like the subframe or brake lines.