2010 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · FN60 KHC

A clear pattern of corrosion-related failures and suspension wear defines this Clio's MOT history, with three failures across the recorded tests all linked to deteriorating underbody and front-end components. The most recent test on 10 September 2025 was a pass with no defects, but this followed a failure the day before citing an offside front headlamp aim problem, an excessively corroded offside rear brake pipe, and a fractured nearside front coil spring. Earlier failures on 9 September 2024 (offside front headlamp aim too low) and 20 September 2022 (excessive corrosion on an offside front brake pipe plus a fractured offside rear coil spring) demonstrate that brake pipe corrosion and coil spring fractures have been recurring concerns on both sides of the vehicle. The remaining tests in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 returned clean passes, yet the clustering of structural and lighting defects suggests localised corrosion activity that warrants close physical inspection rather than reliance on the recent pass alone. With 82,517 miles accumulated over roughly sixteen years, this Clio averages around 5,157 miles per year, which is notably low for its age. The MOT record itself shows no multi-year testing gaps between 2021 and 2025, so the vehicle has remained in regular use and on the road throughout this period despite the modest annual mileage. Lower-than-average mileage of this nature can reduce wear on high-mileage consumables such as clutch, gearbox internals, and engine bearings, but it does not prevent the underbody corrosion and suspension component fatigue that have actually appeared on this car. The recorded mileage is also consistent across tests, with no sudden jumps or anomalies, so the odometer reading appears plausible rather than indicative of clocking. Given the recurring brake pipe corrosion defects, any prospective buyer should arrange a physical inspection of the full brake pipe run, paying particular attention to the offside front and rear lines where previous failures were flagged, as well as the flexible hoses, fuel pipework, and rear axle area where road salt tends to accumulate first. Corroded brake pipes often present as surface rust initially, but flaking, pitting, or bubbling of the pipe surface indicates the wall thickness has been compromised and replacement is imminent. On a test drive, a soft or spongy brake pedal, excessive pedal travel, or any feeling of needing to pump the pedal to obtain firm braking would suggest hydraulic issues potentially linked to corroded lines. Because brake pipe corrosion is progressive and tends to spread along the same run, expect that any sections showing advanced deterioration will need replacement and budget accordingly. The repeated coil spring failures on both nearside and offside front and rear indicate the original springs are reaching the end of their fatigue life, which is consistent with the vehicle's age regardless of the modest mileage. On inspection, look for uneven ride height, the car sitting lower on one corner, or knocking or clonking noises from the suspension when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, as these are classic signs of a fractured spring. Also check the headlamp alignment carefully, since the offside front unit has failed aim checks in both 2024 and 2025, which may point to a deteriorated adjuster mechanism, a loose mounting, or simply a bulb reflector issue. A road test at night against a flat wall will confirm whether the beam pattern is correctly levelled, and any wander or difficulty holding setting would warrant investigation of the headlamp mounting and surrounding bodywork for hidden corrosion around the lamp bowl area.