2002 Renault Clio 1.4L Petrol · MD02 OBR

The 2002 Renault Clio’s most recent MOT test on 19 June 2025—just over a year ago—confirmed full roadworthiness at 73,278 miles, with no defects or advisories recorded. This marks a stable trend over the past three tests, as the vehicle passed cleanly in June 2024 (63,510 miles) and August 2022 (62,687 miles), despite a single failure in July 2022 at 62,678 miles that was rectified before the subsequent pass. The absence of recurring advisories or defects suggests the vehicle has not experienced persistent mechanical issues, though the 2022 failure—though minor—indicates a single oversight rather than a systemic problem. The lack of emissions-related failures or structural advisories further supports that major components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and binding calipers have not been compromised. The recorded mileage of 73,278 miles over 24 years equates to approximately 3,053 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. This suggests either very light usage, prolonged periods of storage, or potential underreporting. The gap between the 2022 failure (62,678 miles) and the 2024 test (63,510 miles) represents just 822 miles in nearly two years, reinforcing the possibility of extended inactivity. While low mileage can mitigate wear on high-stress components like brakes and suspension, it also raises questions about fluid changes—such as brake fluid, power steering, and engine oil—which may not have been serviced regularly. The 2022 failure itself was likely a procedural oversight rather than a mechanical failure, as no specific defect was logged. Given the clean MOT history, a prospective buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of consumable items that are not covered by the MOT but critical to long-term reliability. Tyres, despite passing tread checks, should be examined for uneven wear or internal damage, as the low mileage could mask underlying issues like misalignment or worn suspension components. Brake discs and pads, while not explicitly flagged, warrant scrutiny for thickness and surface condition, particularly if the vehicle has been stored for extended periods, as moisture can accelerate corrosion. The suspension—including bushes, ball joints, and shock absorbers—should be checked for stiffness or leaks, as these are common wear items that may not have been serviced in line with the vehicle’s low mileage. Finally, the underbody should be inspected for corrosion, especially around the sills, subframe, and exhaust system, as rust can compromise structural integrity without always being detected in a standard MOT.