2016 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · HN16 NBE

The 2016 Renault Clio presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 13 April 2026 at 32,535 miles with zero defects recorded. This is a significant turnaround from earlier years. Between 2022 and 2023, the vehicle repeatedly failed its tyre inspections for cracking and perishing on both axles, yet those issues appear to have been fully resolved by 2024, with no tyre-related advisories since. A single advisory for thin front brake pads in April 2025 at 20,354 miles was also rectified before the most recent test, suggesting the current owner is addressing wear items promptly rather than deferring them. The mileage profile tells a compelling story. The car covered just 1,841 miles between April 2022 and April 2023, then accelerated sharply to 4,917 miles in the following year, and again to 12,181 miles between April 2025 and April 2026. That final jump is nearly double the previous year's accumulation and well above the 3,254-mile annual average. Such a sudden increase after years of dormancy raises questions about how the vehicle was stored and whether long periods of inactivity contributed to the tyre perishing seen in 2022 and 2023. Standing vehicles frequently develop flat-spotted tyres and dried-out rubber, which aligns with those earlier advisories. Prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on the underside and suspension components. Tyre perishing that recurs across multiple test cycles often points to exposure to UV, ozone, or prolonged static loading, conditions that also accelerate deterioration of suspension bushes, gaiters, and dust boots. Check the front lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar links for play or splitting, and inspect the shock absorber dust covers for tears that would allow moisture ingress. The rear beam axle on Clios of this era is prone to corrosion, particularly around the mounting points, so a thorough check for structural rust is essential. Brake condition deserves equal attention. While the April 2025 advisory for thin front pads has been cleared, the sudden increase in mileage since then means the discs and pads should be measured for remaining life. Uneven wear or a binding rear caliper, a common Clio fault, would not always trigger an MOT advisory but will affect braking efficiency and fuel economy. Have the handbrake mechanism and cables inspected for free movement, and verify that the exhaust system, particularly the flexi-joint and mounting rubbers, shows no signs of fatigue from the increased use this vehicle has recently seen.