2016 Renault Captur 0.9L Petrol · LS16 VOA

The most recent DVSA examination on 3 November 2025 resulted in a Pass, accompanied by two advisories concerning an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge and a minor exhaust gas leak from the rear silencer. Looking back through the recorded history, the vehicle has passed its annual test on each occasion since 2020, with only two failures recorded, both in late 2023 and 2022, the first for a dangerously worn front brake pad and ineffective wiper, and the second for a leaking front shock absorber and front anti-roll bar ball joint play. The maintenance trend does not show a clear deterioration; rather, the pattern suggests a car that has historically been kept broadly roadworthy, with isolated component failures being addressed. However, the recurrence of front tyre edge wear across multiple consecutive tests, combined with ongoing brake wear advisories, does indicate that certain maintenance items are reaching the end of their service life on a recurring basis, which warrants closer physical inspection prior to purchase. With 90,603 miles recorded against an age of approximately ten years, this Captur is averaging roughly 9,060 miles annually, a figure broadly in line with typical UK usage for a vehicle of this age and class. The MOT history does not reveal any significant gaps in testing, and the mileage accumulation appears steady rather than sporadic, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular use rather than left standing for prolonged periods. Consistent annual mileage of this nature generally implies that wear-related consumables such as brake components, tyres, and suspension parts will have been subjected to normal progressive wear, while major drivetrain components should have been exercised adequately without the particular risks associated with low-mileage neglect such as seized callipers, corroded brake discs, or perished rubber components from disuse. The recurring advisories relating to front brake disc pitting and scoring, observed at both the 2023 test and the 2023 retest, alongside the front brake pad wear advisory in 2024 and the dangerous pad failure in 2022, indicate that the front braking system has been a consistent area of attention. A prospective buyer should thoroughly inspect the current condition of the front brake discs for lipping, surface corrosion, and uneven wear, and check the pad material thickness directly, since advisories from as recently as twelve months ago suggest further wear is highly likely. On a test drive, any pulling to one side under braking, pedal vibration, or grinding noises would warrant immediate investigation. The offside front tyre edge wear noted at both the 2025 and 2023 tests suggests a possible tracking or suspension geometry issue, and the buyer should verify that the nearside front tyre is not similarly affected, check the wheel alignment, and inspect all four tyres not only for tread depth but also for uneven shoulder wear which can point to worn suspension bushes or weakened coil springs. The 2023 shock absorber fluid leak is also a point to monitor; shock absorbers rarely recover once their seal integrity has been compromised, so listen for clonking noises over speed humps or uneven road surfaces and observe whether the vehicle remains level when cornering. Given the vehicle's age, additional inspection focus should be placed on items that degrade with calendar age rather than mileage alone. The rear exhaust advisory from 2025 suggests a developing silencer leak, and exhaust corrosion from the inside out is common on ten-year-old vehicles, so the buyer should listen for increased exhaust noise, ticking sounds on cold starts, or any smell of exhaust fumes within the cabin. Check the underbody and sill areas for structural corrosion, particularly around the rear axle and exhaust mounting points, as Renault products of this era are known to be susceptible in such areas. Verify that the 12V battery is in good health and recently replaced if possible, as batteries beyond five years of age frequently cause starting issues. Confirm the service book history for timely replacement of brake fluid, coolant, and transmission oil, since these degrade over time irrespective of mileage. Finally, inspect all undertray fixings, CV gaiters for splits, and the condition of the anti-roll bar drop links and bushes, given the advisory on the anti-roll bar ball joint from 2023, as these are common wear items that can produce knocking noises over rough surfaces when deteriorated.