2015 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · ML15 VVG

The most recent DVSA assessment on 15 October 2025 recorded a PASS with no advisories or defects, which on the surface presents a satisfactory roadworthy outcome. However, a thorough review of the recent test history reveals a pattern that warrants careful consideration. Just two days prior, on 13 October 2025, the vehicle failed its MOT on multiple major defects including a fractured offside rear coil spring, an excessively worn offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush, nearside steering rack inner ball joint play, and an excessively worn nearside front outer drive shaft joint. The vehicle also failed in September 2024 on body and mirror damage, and again in September 2023 on dangerous front tyres with structural tears and tread depths below the legal 1.6mm limit, alongside a split offside CV joint boot. The recurrence of suspension, steering, and drivetrain wear items over consecutive tests suggests a vehicle that has either been subject to deferred maintenance or is exhibiting age and mileage-related wear on load-bearing components. The transition from a heavily defective failure to a clean pass within the same testing window indicates that substantial remedial work was carried out immediately prior to the latest test, which a prospective buyer should verify with full supporting invoices and warranty details. With 104,330 miles recorded on an eleven-year-old Renault Clio, the vehicle is averaging approximately 9,485 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the expected range for a car of this age and class. There is no evidence in the MOT record of unusually large annual gaps in mileage accumulation, which is reassuring as it reduces the likelihood of standing-related issues such as seized brake calipers, fluid degradation, or severe underbody corrosion. That said, the higher mileage does correlate with the recurring mechanical failures observed, particularly around suspension joints, bushes, and drivetrain components which are subject to progressive wear as mileage accumulates. A buyer should be mindful that 104,330 miles is approaching the upper threshold where major ancillaries such as the timing chain, clutch, and turbocharger (where fitted) may soon require attention on this particular model. Given the severity of the October 2025 defects, it is essential to verify that the work was completed by a competent garage using quality replacement parts. The fractured rear coil spring is a critical safety component; on a test drive, listen for any clunking or knocking from the rear suspension over bumps, and inspect for uneven ride height. The worn suspension arm bush should be checked for any residual play by physically pushing on the corner of the vehicle with the wheel jacked, and the steering rack inner joint replacement should be confirmed, as a failing rack can produce vague, wandering behaviour and uneven front tyre wear. The drive shaft joint repair must be confirmed visually by inspecting the CV boot for fresh splits or grease contamination, and listening for clicking or knocking on full-lock turns. Additionally, although the 2025 test passed cleanly, the advisories from 2022 regarding a distorted nearside rear wheel and perishing tyre suggest that the alloy wheels may have sustained previous impact damage; check for vibration through the steering at speed and examine the wheels for cracks or buckles. Finally, for a vehicle of this mileage and age, ensure that all time-based servicing has been completed regardless of MOT outcomes, specifically the cambelt replacement interval if applicable, brake fluid renewal every two years, coolant system attention, and verification of the 12V battery health, which commonly deteriorates on high-mileage urban vehicles.