2018 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · LE03 MEN

The most recent MOT test on the 2018 Renault Clio, conducted on 2025-10-15, resulted in a passing grade, though it included an advisory regarding front brake discs that are worn, pitted, or scored but not critically compromised. This follows a previous MOT failure in 2025-10-14, where two major defects were identified: a fractured or broken offside front coil spring and a compromised offside front outer constant velocity (CV) joint boot, allowing dirt ingress. While the 2024 and earlier MOTs were clean, the presence of recurring advisories and the 2025 failure highlights a maintenance trend that has not been fully resolved. The repeated issues suggest underlying wear progression in suspension and drivetrain components, particularly on the offside side, which could indicate either poor maintenance history or inherent design limitations in these areas. The fact that the 2025 failure was not rectified before the subsequent test implies either delayed servicing or a lack of proactive attention to these critical failures. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 55,582 miles at the time of this assessment represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 6,948 miles per year, which is consistent with typical driving patterns for an eight-year-old car. This rate does not suggest excessive wear from high-mileage accumulation, but it also does not indicate minimal usage either. The absence of significant mileage gaps in the MOT history suggests the car has been driven regularly, though the presence of the CV joint and coil spring failures may have been exacerbated by prolonged exposure to road conditions without timely intervention. For a suspension system, coil springs and CV joints are particularly susceptible to fatigue and mechanical failure when subjected to repeated stress, especially if the vehicle has been driven over rough terrain or experienced prolonged periods of standing with accumulated road debris. The CV joint failure, in particular, could have led to increased wear on the offside drive shaft and potential transmission issues if not addressed promptly. Given the MOT history, the prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension and drivetrain components. On a test drive, listen for unusual noises such as clunks or rattles from the offside front suspension, particularly when cornering or over bumps, which may indicate coil spring failure or loose suspension mounts. Inspect the offside front wheel for any signs of misalignment or excessive play, as this could suggest a CV joint issue. Visually check the front brake discs for further pitting or warping, and listen for abnormal brake pedal feedback or vibrations, which may indicate worn discs or warped rotors. The CV joint failure from the 2025 MOT failure should prompt a check of the boot condition and any signs of oil leakage around the joint, as well as monitoring for increased whining or grinding noises when turning corners. Additionally, verify that the offside front wheel alignment has been corrected to prevent uneven tyre wear, which could exacerbate suspension and drivetrain wear. For the buyer, given the vehicle’s age and the recurring advisories, it is advisable to schedule a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic to assess the extent of the coil spring and CV joint damage and plan for necessary repairs. The front brake discs, while not yet critically compromised, should be monitored closely, with consideration given to replacing them if the pitting or scoring worsens during regular use. The tyre advisories from previous MOTs—particularly the rear tyre cracking—highlight the need for a full tyre inspection, including checking for sidewall perishing, which can weaken the tyre structure over time. Since the car has been driven at a moderate mileage rate, it is also prudent to verify the condition of the 12V battery, as prolonged standing or high mileage can accelerate battery degradation. Finally, given the age of the vehicle, fluids such as the coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid should be checked for degradation, with a recommendation to replace them if they have not been serviced within the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, which for the Clio typically align with 100,000 to 120,000 miles or every two years. The buyer should also ensure that the service book is up to date, as the lack of recorded service history for this age of vehicle may indicate missed maintenance opportunities.