2018 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · JU09 AMY

The most recent MOT test on 2025-09-11 confirms the vehicle passed, though with critical recurring issues that suggest inconsistent maintenance. The trend over the past two years is decidedly worsening, particularly in brake and suspension integrity. The September 2025 failure—just one mile before passing—reveals severe corrosion on rear brake pipes, hydraulic leaks, and a fractured offside front coil spring, all of which were either overlooked or inadequately addressed between tests. The front suspension ball joints, previously flagged in 2023 and 2024, indicate progressive wear, while front brake discs show pitting and scoring that, if unchecked, could escalate into structural weakening. The most recent pass masks active problems rather than resolves them, raising serious concerns about the vehicle’s long-term reliability. The recorded mileage of 35,443 miles over eight years—roughly 4,430 miles annually—suggests either very light usage or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between the 2023 failure at 26,139 miles and the 2024 pass at 30,811 miles (nearly 5,000 miles in under a year) stands out as unusually rapid accumulation, potentially indicating the vehicle was driven more aggressively or stored poorly during that period. The subsequent two-year span from 2024 to 2025 shows negligible mileage gain (only 4,632 miles), which could imply the car was either parked or used sporadically—conditions that accelerate corrosion and degrade suspension components when moisture and weight remain static. A buyer should prioritise an immediate, thorough inspection of the front suspension, particularly the offside coil spring and both front ball joints, given their repeated failures and the risk of sudden failure. The rear brake system demands urgent attention: corroded, leaking, and contaminated brake pipes pose an immediate safety hazard, while the front brake discs’ pitted condition warrants measurement for remaining thickness. Structural integrity should also be scrutinised, especially around the wheel arches and sills, as prolonged low-mileage storage often exacerbates hidden corrosion. The daytime running lamp failure, though minor, indicates neglect in basic electrical checks—an area that may extend to other overlooked systems. Documented advisories on suspension play and brake corrosion imply the vehicle has likely been driven with compromised handling and braking, increasing wear on other components.