2021 Renault Clio Iconic Blue DCI 1.5L Diesel · HT21 TDO

The most recent MOT on 18 February 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle satisfied the statutory safety and emissions requirements at that time. This represents an improvement over the March 2025 test, where a major failure was recorded for excessive wear on the off‑side front suspension arm pin or bush and a near‑side advisory for similar wear. The intervening April 2024 MOT showed only advisory items, suggesting that any remedial work undertaken after the 2025 failure has, at least temporarily, restored the car to an acceptable condition, though the recurrence of front‑suspension wear hints that the underlying issue may not yet be fully resolved. At five years old the Clio has logged 54 431 miles, averaging roughly 10 900 miles per annum. This is within the normal range for a small diesel hatchback, indicating a moderate level of use rather than extreme high‑mileage abuse. There are no large gaps in the recorded mileage, which implies the vehicle has been driven consistently rather than sitting idle for long periods. Nevertheless, a mileage figure of this magnitude does mean that wear items such as suspension bushes, tyre tread, brake components and engine oil have been subjected to a fair amount of service life and should be inspected for age‑related degradation. The front suspension warrants particular scrutiny. The 2025 failure points to excessive wear on the off‑side arm pin or bush, and the advisory on the near‑side suggests that the entire front suspension assembly may be approaching the end of its serviceable life. During a test drive listen for clunking or knocking when passing over bumps, and check for any noticeable play when pushing on the front wheels or when the steering wheel is rocked at a standstill. Visual inspection should confirm that the rubber bushings are not cracked, torn or excessively soft, and that the arm pins are not corroded or loose. Replacement of the front arm bushes and pins is likely to be required within the next few thousand miles to avoid a repeat failure. The tyre advisories from the 2024 MOT indicate tread depths approaching the legal limit and uneven wear on the inner edges, which may be a symptom of mis‑alignment or the aforementioned suspension wear; the tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking, tread uniformity and correct inflation, and a professional wheel‑alignment and tyre balance should be performed before further use. Beyond the front‑end concerns, the vehicle’s age means that time‑related maintenance should be verified. The 12‑volt battery, now five years old, should be load‑tested to confirm it can hold charge, especially if the car has experienced periods of inactivity. Brake discs and pads should be inspected for rust, scoring or glazed surfaces, and the calipers checked for proper piston movement to prevent binding. Coolant, brake fluid and engine oil should be refreshed if they have not been changed within the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, as fluids degrade with time even when the car is not driven heavily. Finally, the front registration plate was noted as deteriorated in 2024; ensure the plate is legible and securely mounted, as a faded plate can cause a future MOT failure. Addressing these points will give a prospective buyer confidence that the Clio remains roadworthy and that any imminent maintenance is clearly identified.