2010 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · HN60 SVO

The most recent MOT, conducted on 12 December 2025 at 117,333 miles, passed with zero defects. That clean result is significant because it follows a failure on the same day at 117,310 miles that flagged six separate issues, including an insecure nearside front coil spring not seated correctly in its lower cup and a track rod end with slight play. The fact that these were rectified before the pass test suggests the immediate safety-critical faults were addressed. However, the underlying maintenance pattern is mixed rather than consistently improving, and a buyer should not assume the vehicle has been meticulously maintained over its life. The mileage progression tells a fairly consistent story. From the November 2023 test at 103,581 miles through the October 2024 test at 108,163 miles and up to the December 2025 tests at 117,310 to 117,333 miles, the car covered roughly 9,000 miles in just over a year between late 2024 and late 2025, after averaging around 4,600 miles per year in the prior twelve-month window. That acceleration in usage could reflect a change of owner or a shift to more regular commuting. There are no alarming gaps in the record, but the data is sparse, with only three test events across nearly three years, so long periods of unmonitored wear cannot be ruled out. The December 2025 failure raises the most concern. An insecure coil spring in the lower cup is a serious suspension defect that can affect ride height, handling, and tyre wear if left unattended. Combined with play in the nearside track rod end, a buyer should have the front suspension and steering linkage physically inspected for wear, corrosion, and proper alignment. The brake hydraulic reservoir sitting close to the minimum mark at the same test also warrants attention, as it may indicate worn brake pads or a fluid level that has dropped without obvious cause, potentially pointing toward a slow leak or neglected servicing. Beyond the suspension and steering, the recurring lighting defects across multiple tests, registration plate lamp failures in both November 2023 and December 2025, plus an offside headlamp aim fault and a position lamp outage, suggest electrical reliability has been inconsistent. The October 2024 failure for excessive exhaust emissions exceeding the 1.5m-1 default lambda limit indicates a combustion or catalyst issue that was apparently resolved by the pass test but should still be verified with a live emissions reading. Tyre condition has also been borderline at multiple inspections, with wear close to the legal limit and cracking noted, reinforcing the impression that consumable upkeep has been reactive rather than proactive. A thorough pre-purchase inspection covering suspension geometry, brake fluid condition, exhaust gas analysis, and electrical function is strongly recommended.