2015 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · MF65 MDZ

The most recent MOT carried out on 14 May 2026 was a clean pass with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the last five years the MOT record shows a mixed picture: after a serious off‑side front coil‑spring fracture and a malfunctioning engine management light in August 2021, the car was repaired and subsequently passed without defects in 2021 and 2022. A major TPMS failure was noted in November 2022 but was resolved by the next test. Since October 2023 the only recurring issue has been a slight play in both front suspension arm ball joints, flagged as advisories in the 2023 and 2024 tests. Overall the trend is stabilising, with no major failures in the last three years, though the persistent ball‑joint play suggests a component that may soon require corrective action. At 56,806 miles recorded in September 2026 the Clio averages roughly 5,200 miles per annum, which is considerably below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 thousand miles per year for a small family car. The low annual mileage points to either light daily commuting or extended periods of inactivity, both of which can mask age‑related wear that is not mileage‑driven. Because the vehicle has been on the road for eleven years, components such as rubber bushings, seals, and fluids are likely to have aged regardless of the modest distance covered, and any prolonged storage periods could have encouraged corrosion on suspension mounts, brake caliper pins and the chassis. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front suspension arm ball joints that have been flagged for slight play in two consecutive MOTs. On a test drive listen for clunking or knocking noises when steering over bumps or during hard cornering, and feel for any looseness in the steering feel or wandering of the wheel alignment. A visual inspection should include checking the condition of the ball‑joint boots for cracks or oil seepage, and confirming that the tie‑rod ends and control arm bushes are not excessively worn. If the play is progressing, replacement of the ball joints and possibly the associated bushings may be required to avoid premature tyre wear or loss of handling precision. Verify that the TPMS sensors are operational, as a malfunction could mask low tyre pressures and lead to uneven tyre degradation. Given the vehicle’s age, independent of mileage, a thorough age‑related inspection is essential. Examine all tyres for sidewall cracking, tread hardening or dry‑rot, especially if they are more than six years old, and confirm that the tread depth remains above the legal minimum. Inspect the 12 V battery for sulphation, check the electrolyte level if it is a conventional lead‑acid type, and assess the charging system voltage. Look for signs of rust on the front subframe, wheel arches and under‑carriage, and ensure that brake discs are not heavily corroded or scored, which could cause shudder on initial braking. Finally, confirm that the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed in line with time‑based service intervals, as fluid degradation can occur even when the car is driven sparingly. A full service history and any receipts for the coil‑spring replacement after the 2021 failure will provide further confidence in the car’s mechanical integrity.