2014 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · ML64 NCC

The 2014 Renault Clio presents a mixed maintenance picture, with the overall trend showing a gradual decline in mechanical condition rather than consistent upkeep. The most recent test on 12 December 2025 at 69,186 miles passed, but the tester flagged an offside rear brake pipe corroded and covered in grease or other material. This is a notable safety-related advisory for a braking component, indicating that corrosion management has been neglected somewhere in the vehicle's recent life. The record shows a pattern of recurring brake pipe corrosion and suspension wear, suggesting the car has been subjected to conditions or usage that promote rust, possibly including long periods of standing or exposure to road salt. The mileage accumulation is low for a 12-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 5,766 miles per year. The record shows a gap between May 2022 at 46,326 miles and April 2023 at 52,565 miles, representing about 6,239 miles in just under 11 months, followed by a similar increment to November 2023 at 56,972 miles. However, the jump from November 2023 to November 2024 covers only 6,174 miles in a full year, and the final recorded interval from November 2024 to December 2025 shows zero additional miles. This plateau strongly suggests the vehicle has been sitting unused for an extended period, which aligns with the corrosion issues flagged on the brake pipes and coil spring. Long stationary periods accelerate corrosion on brake lines, seals, and suspension components due to moisture accumulation and lack of circulation of protective lubricants. A buyer should prioritise a thorough underbody inspection, focusing on the condition of all brake pipes and unions, particularly the offside rear pipe already flagged. The recurring corrosion theme extends to the rear coil spring noted as corroded in November 2024, so both rear springs and their mountings require close examination for pitting, cracking, or structural weakening. Suspension components, including the offside front lower arm ball joint that showed slight play in May 2022, should be checked for wear, as low-mileage vehicles that sit idle often develop degraded bushes and joints. The front tyre wear noted in April 2023 suggests possible alignment issues or prolonged neglect of basic consumable checks. Given the corrosion pattern and the vehicle's apparent long-term stationary status, a prospective buyer should also assess the condition of the exhaust system, fuel lines, and brake fluid condition, as all are susceptible to deterioration in vehicles that have seen extended periods of disuse. A fresh MOT pass does not guarantee underlying structural integrity, and a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly advisable before committing to this vehicle.