2016 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · HG65 NPZ

A recurring pattern of tire degradation, brake wear, and fluid level warnings characterises the roadworthiness history of this Renault Clio, punctuated by multiple failures before most recent tests including a pass recorded on 27 October 2025. While the vehicle successfully cleared its latest inspection without recorded defects, the historical data reveals chronic rubber perishability and braking component neglect that requires close scrutiny. The transition from repeated failures for dangerously thin brake pads and structural tire damage in earlier years to a clean pass suggests faults were rectified, but the underlying timeline points to a vehicle that has required consistent intervention to meet legal standards. Accumulating 80,803 miles over its ten-year lifespan places the car at an average of roughly 8,080 miles annually, representing entirely typical civilian usage for a modern hatchback. This steady accumulation indicates the vehicle has remained in regular operation rather than sitting idle for extended periods, meaning mechanical assemblies have been subjected to continuous thermal cycles and road use. While typical mileage avoids the severe sulfation or seizure risks associated with long-term storage, it guarantees that high-wear components have experienced a full decade of operational fatigue. Prospective buyers must prioritise a thorough physical examination of the braking system, given that previous MOT testers flagged heavily pitted front brake discs alongside critically thin brake pads measuring under 1.5 millimetres. During a static and dynamic inspection, listen carefully for any grinding, squealing, or scraping noises from the front axle, and check for steering wheel judder or vehicle pull under braking. The friction surfaces of the brake discs should be visually inspected for deep scoring, and the brake pedal feel must be firm and progressive rather than spongy. The history of recurring tire perishing, cracking, and edge wear on both front and rear 205/45 R17 boots, alongside past advisories for low coolant and an illuminated maintenance light, demands rigorous under-bonnet and wheel-arch checks. Inspect the sidewalls and tread depths of all four tires for micro-cracking and verify coolant levels while examining the engine bay for signs of leaks or overheating history. Road testing should also involve listening for suspension knocks over uneven road surfaces to ensure that no hidden wear has developed within the wishbones, drop links, or anti-roll bar bushes that escaped formal documentation.