2008 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · HV08 ADX

This Renault Clio’s most recent MOT test on 2025-01-24 confirms it passed without defects, though it was retested just three days earlier after an identical failure on 2025-01-21. The pattern of two consecutive tests at the same mileage (151,766) suggests either a genuine oversight in pre-test checks or a deliberate attempt to bypass a recurring but undocumented issue. The last clean pass occurred in December 2023, followed by another retest cycle in November of that year, indicating a history of near-term failures. While no defects were formally recorded, the repeated retests imply the vehicle may have borderline conditions—such as minor brake binding, suspension wear, or emissions thresholds—that require closer scrutiny. The recorded mileage of 151,766 miles over 18 years aligns with an average of approximately 8,400 miles annually, a rate consistent with typical light-to-moderate usage for this age. There are no obvious gaps or spikes in mileage between tests, though the lack of intermediate maintenance records means no insight into servicing intervals or component replacements. The most notable interval is between the 2023 and 2025 tests, where the vehicle accumulated roughly 1,700 miles in a year—a modest increase that doesn’t suggest aggressive use but also doesn’t rule out deferred maintenance. Given the history of retests without recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, particularly the rear calipers and pads, as binding or uneven wear is a common cause of retest failures. The suspension—especially rear bushes and coil springs—should be checked for excessive play or corrosion, as these components often degrade gradually and may not trigger MOT failures until they become severe. Exhaust emissions should also be verified, as minor leaks or catalytic converter efficiency issues could explain the retests without explicit mention. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and sills, warrants inspection, given the vehicle’s age and typical exposure to UK road conditions. Tyres, despite not being MOT-failure points, should be examined for uneven wear or low tread depth, as the retests might indicate earlier signs of imbalance or alignment issues.