2015 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · LR65 LPC

The most recent MOT test on the 2015 Renault Clio occurred on 2026-02-17 and resulted in a clean pass, marking a positive turnaround following two consecutive failures in early 2026. Prior to this, the vehicle had failed due to critical issues with the parking brake system, which were deemed inoperative and inefficient, indicating a severe mechanical failure likely stemming from either a faulty hydraulic actuator, worn brake lines, or a binding parking brake mechanism. The earlier MOT failures in 2025 highlighted significant wear on both front inner brake discs, suggesting prolonged or heavy brake usage had led to excessive friction material consumption and potential warping or glazing of the discs. While the latest MOT shows no defects, the recurring advisories and failures over the past three years point to underlying wear patterns that require careful attention, particularly in the braking system and suspension components. The recorded mileage of 76,915 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 11 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 7,000 miles per annum, which is within the expected range for this model’s age and typical UK driving conditions. However, the absence of significant mileage spikes or long periods of inactivity suggests the vehicle has undergone consistent use, potentially accelerating wear on consumables like brake pads, suspension components, and fluid systems. The suspension advisory from 2022—indicating light misting of oil in the near-side front shock absorber—may not yet be critical but warrants monitoring, as oil misting can signal impending failure of the shock absorber or its seals, leading to reduced damping performance and potential suspension failure. The parking brake and brake disc failures from 2025 and 2026 underscore the importance of addressing these issues promptly to prevent further deterioration or safety risks. Given the recent MOT history, the buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system, focusing on the front inner brake discs, which have shown severe wear in prior tests. On a test drive, listen for uneven brake pedal travel, excessive vibration or shuddering during braking, or any signs of brake fluid leakage from the reservoir or lines. Check for warping or scoring on the brake discs, which could indicate overheating or prolonged heavy use. Additionally, verify the parking brake function by engaging it fully and ensuring it holds the vehicle securely without binding or excessive effort. The suspension should be inspected for any clunking noises during cornering or over bumps, which may indicate failing shock absorbers or worn suspension bushes. If the suspension advisory from 2022 persists, consider replacing the near-side front shock absorber as soon as possible, as further misting could lead to a failure and compromised handling. For the 2015 Renault Clio at this mileage, the buyer should also conduct a comprehensive physical inspection of the vehicle’s structural integrity, particularly around the wheel arches, subframe, and underbody, where corrosion from standing or prolonged exposure to moisture may have begun to affect components. Check the tyre tread depth for signs of uneven wear or sidewall damage, as the 2024 advisory noted wear close to the legal limit on the inner edges of the front tyres, which could indicate alignment or suspension issues. Inspect the 12V battery for signs of corrosion on terminals or a weak hold-up current, as older vehicles of this age are prone to battery failure due to reduced internal resistance. Lastly, verify the service history for fluid changes, particularly brake fluid, which should be replaced every two years or 60,000 miles to prevent contamination and loss of effectiveness. Given the vehicle’s age, a full fluid flush and filter replacement for the cooling system, transmission, and differential are also advisable to mitigate long-term wear and potential failure.