2018 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · MJ67 TMZ

A fractured offside front coil spring and thinning front brake pads brought a halt to the 2025 test cycle, constituting the only failure in the recorded MOT history for this 2018 Renault Clio. The fracture on 13 November 2025 was classified as a Major defect, sufficient on its own to fail the vehicle, though the front brake pads were only flagged as an advisory at the same time. The car was repaired and returned to the test station seven days later, passing on 20 November 2025 with no defects recorded, meaning the spring was likely replaced and the pads monitored rather than exchanged. Prior to this incident, the record was entirely free of advisories between 2020 and 2022, with only minor tyre wear and sidewall damage flagged in 2023 and 2024, suggesting a generally steady pattern of roadworthiness punctuated by a single, isolated suspension failure. At 21,233 miles over eight years, this Clio is averaging roughly 2,654 miles per year, which is notably low for a small petrol supermini of this age. Annual mileage at this level typically indicates light urban use or extended periods of standing, and the seven tests recorded between 2020 and 2025 show consistent annual presentations without significant gaps, so the car has not been left dormant for any prolonged stretch. Low-mileage examples of this age can develop dry corrosion on otherwise lightly loaded components such as brake caliper sliders, suspension bushes, and coil springs themselves, as the cyclical loading required to keep surface rust from progressing is reduced. The recorded usage is consistent with the modest wear observed in the MOT history, but the components flagged in 2025 suggest that the lighter-than-average usage has not entirely insulated the car from suspension degradation. The fractured coil spring is the most significant item to investigate, as spring failures on the front axle can indicate localised corrosion fatigue or simply age-related metal fatigue at low mileage. On a test drive, listen for a metallic knocking or clunking from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during full lock manoeuvres, and check that the car sits level at the front when parked on flat ground. A failed coil spring can also upset geometry, so pay attention to any steering pull to one side or uneven front tyre wear that develops rapidly after the repair. Inspect the nearside front coil spring for any visible surface corrosion or early cracking, as the offside spring failed at relatively low mileage and its counterpart has been exposed to identical conditions. The 2025 advisory for thinning front brake pads should prompt a physical inspection of pad material thickness and disc condition, including a check for lipping on the disc edges and any binding or stiffness in the caliper mechanism. Brake pedal feel should be firm and consistent, with no excessive travel or juddering under moderate application, particularly under the sort of light stop-start use this vehicle has predominantly seen. The 2024 advisories for nearside and offside front inner tyre wear close to the legal limit, combined with sidewall damage on the nearside front, warrant close attention to current tyre condition, age, and any uneven wear patterns that could point to remaining suspension or alignment issues stemming from the recent spring failure. Finally, ask for documentation confirming which components were replaced at the November 2025 retest, so you can verify whether new springs, pads, or both were fitted and whether the work was carried out by a recognised garage.