2012 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · LR12 FDA

This 2012 Renault Clio presents a notably clean and stable roadworthiness profile across its recorded test history. The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 23 May 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, following a prior test outcome on the same date in 2025 that also recorded no defects. Looking at the full sequence of tests, the pattern is consistent: a clean pass on 13 June 2024 was preceded by another test two days earlier showing no defects, and a further pass on 31 May 2023 likewise returned a clean sheet. There are no recorded advisories for component wear, corrosion, fluid leaks, or braking irregularities in any of the recent entries, which indicates a vehicle that has remained structurally and mechanically compliant at each annual inspection without any flagged deterioration points for the examiner to monitor. With 92,073 miles accumulated over approximately 14 years of service, the Clio has covered an annual average of around 6,577 miles, which sits broadly in line with what would be expected for a car of its age and class. This is a moderate usage profile rather than a high-mileage workhorse or a low-mileage garage queen, suggesting regular but not exhaustive daily use. There are no significant gaps in the testing record that would indicate prolonged periods off the road, and the mileage progression between test entries is consistent with steady accumulation rather than abrupt jumps that might suggest clock irregularities or fleet-type use. Mechanically, this kind of average mileage typically translates to expected wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutch components, but does not in itself point to premature drivetrain fatigue given the relatively modest annual figure. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any recorded advisories means the usual DVSA-documented wear points have not yet been formally flagged, but a thorough physical inspection remains essential given the age and mileage. On a test drive, pay particular attention to the suspension behaviour, listening for clonking or knocking from the front wishbones, anti-roll bar bushes, and rear axle bushes, as these are common Clio wear items at this mileage that may not yet have crossed advisory thresholds. Check for any steering vagueness or pulling to one side under braking, which could indicate uneven pad wear or a binding caliper. Inspect the underside carefully for any emerging corrosion on suspension arms, subframe mounting points, and brake pipe sections, particularly given the age of the vehicle. Finally, although the test record is commendably clean, it is prudent to verify the condition of items that the MOT does not directly cover or that fall outside advisory thresholds. Confirm the brake pedal feel is firm without excessive travel or sponginess, and that the handbrake holds effectively on an incline, as caliper seizure is a known weakness on higher-mileage Renaults. Listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start, a documented concern on certain Clio engines of this era, and check for blue smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration which could indicate valve stem seal wear. Ensure the cooling system has been maintained, as the radiator and thermostat housing are known to perish with age, and confirm there are no dashboard warning lights illuminated. A clean MOT history is reassuring, but a hands-on inspection and a compression or leak-down test where possible will provide the most accurate picture of this Clio's true mechanical state.