2005 Renault Modus 1.4L Petrol · GJ55 AEF

A pattern of chronic advisories relating to brake line corrosion, brake hose ferrules, and subframe corrosion dominates the DVSA record for this 2005 Renault Modus, and these observations have accumulated steadily rather than resolving between tests. The most recent examination on 26 August 2026 produced a Pass alongside four advisories, three of which replicate findings from the previous two tests: slight corrosion to ferrules on all brake hoses, corrosion on the offside front brake pipe coated in grease or similar material, and structural corrosion to the front crossmember that is not yet compromising rigidity. Notably, the 2024 and 2023 tests also recorded subframe corrosion at the front extensions, and a tyre perishing advisory appeared on those same two tests along with 2022, suggesting the front structural area and the braking hydraulic circuits have been flagged continuously over a four year MOT window. A single failure is recorded on 4 September 2020 for an inoperative horn, which is an electrical defect rather than a mechanical one, and the adjacent Pass on the same date carries no advisories at all. The recorded mileage of 38,104 miles over 21 years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 1,814 miles, which is markedly low for a vehicle of this age and points to extended periods of either light use or inactivity. MOT coverage runs from 2020 through 2026 with annual tests, and no obvious gaps or sudden mileage jumps appear between the recorded readings, indicating consistent low usage rather than a recent long-distance recommissioning. Mechanically, low annual mileage of this nature typically means longer standing periods between drives, which accelerates external corrosion on underbody components such as the brake lines and subframe already being flagged, and can lead to binding brake calipers from infrequent use, an effect hinted at by the 2021 advisory for the offside rear service brake binding. Tyre perishing advisories over consecutive years are also more consistent with age related rubber degradation than with high wear rates. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection items are the brake hydraulic system and the front structural areas. The offside front brake pipe has been coated in grease or other material for at least four consecutive tests, which is typically a temporary cosmetic measure rather than a permanent repair, so the pipe itself should be closely examined for live rust, surface pitting, or any weeping at joints, and the line should be replaced if corrosion has compromised wall thickness. Brake hose ferrules on all four corners have shown slight corrosion since 2021, so each hose union should be inspected for green or white deposits and checked for any sponginess or excessive travel under braking. The subframe front extensions and the crossmember beneath the radiator have carried corrosion advisories since 2022, and these areas warrant a physical inspection on a ramp or over a pit to confirm rigidity is still adequate, as corrosion in these load bearing locations can advance between MOT intervals even when advisories remain unchanged. On the road, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would suggest advancing wear in the subframe mounting areas or suspension bushes, and test the brakes firmly from speed to confirm straight line stopping without pull, as binding calipers noted previously can return with low mileage use. Finally, inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, particularly on the nearside rear which has been flagged twice, and replace any tyre showing visible perishing regardless of remaining tread depth.