2014 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · HT14 GPE

The most recent MOT examination conducted on 2026-08-11 resulted in a pass, though it carries two advisories relating to the front brake discs, noting that both the nearside and offside discs are worn, pitted, or scored, but not considered seriously weakened at the time of test. Looking at the broader trend across the recorded DVSA history, the maintenance profile is mixed but warrants careful attention. The vehicle suffered a major defect failure in 2025 due to a fractured nearside front coil spring, having previously passed clean just a year earlier, and also failed in 2024 on major defects for an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint and a missing or broken offside front road wheel fixing. These repeated front suspension and wheel-related failures within a relatively short window suggest an area of focused wear that a prospective buyer should treat as a priority for inspection, even though the vehicle has subsequently passed its last two tests. With 87,362 miles accumulated over approximately twelve years of service, the annual mileage averages around 7,280 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and segment, suggesting neither excessive long-distance use nor prolonged periods of standing idle. This level of usage is consistent with moderate commuter or mixed-use driving, and there are no large unexplained gaps in the mileage progression that would indicate clocked readings or extended inactivity. That said, given the recorded suspension component failures, the mileage has been sufficient to wear through front coil springs and ball joints, which are typical wear items on a Renault Clio of this age, particularly on UK roads where kerbing and pothole exposure accelerate front-end degradation. Given the recurring front suspension concerns recorded in the MOT history, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough physical and dynamic evaluation. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonking, knocking, or rattling from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, and pay particular attention to vague or wandering steering behaviour, which can indicate worn ball joints, perished bushes, or weakened coil springs. Inspect the nearside front coil spring area for any signs of recent replacement that may not have been professionally documented, and check the lower suspension arms and ball joints for any perished or cracking rubber bushes, excessive play when the wheel is rocked by hand, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle. Verify that all road wheel fixings are present and correctly torque-rated, particularly on the offside front, and ensure the wheels have been correctly seated with no signs of movement. Beyond the recorded suspension issues, the recent advisories on both front brake discs indicate that the discs are beginning to pit and score, which on a twelve-year-old vehicle with this mileage is entirely consistent with normal wear. On a test drive, watch for brake shudder, vibration through the steering wheel under heavy braking, or any pulling to one side, all of which could indicate disc warping or a binding caliper, the latter being a common fault on cars that have seen mixed urban and standing use. Given the age of the vehicle, regardless of the relatively moderate mileage, the buyer should also carry out age-related checks that do not necessarily show on an MOT. Examine the tyre sidewalls for perishing or cracking, particularly on the inner edges, inspect the exhaust for corrosion at the mounts and silencer, check the condition of all coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil for degradation, and verify the 12V battery health, as Renault Clios of this era are known for electronic quirks and dashboard warning issues linked to battery voltage drops. Confirm that the service book contains consistent stamps and that the cambelt and water pump replacement interval, typically due every five years or sixty thousand miles on this engine, has been correctly observed, as overdue timing belt replacement on a Clio of this age can result in catastrophic engine damage.