2016 Renault Megane 1.2L Petrol · ML66 VMX

A consistent pattern of front tyre wear on the inner shoulders is the defining mechanical theme across the MOT record for this Renault Megane, surfacing in three separate tests in 2019, 2022 and 2025. The November 2025 pass, the most recent DVSA examination, flagged both front tyres as bald on the inner shoulders at the legal limit, repeating a wear characteristic observed on earlier inspections. The intervening tests in 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024 returned clean results with no advisories, but the recurrence of the same advisory after each gap suggests this is a chronic geometry or suspension issue rather than an isolated tyre ageing concern. The single failure in November 2022 was relatively minor, recorded against an insufficient washer fluid level, with a tyre advisory issued at the same time before a clean pass was obtained just one week later. The recorded mileage of 43,764 miles across ten years equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 4,400 miles, which is notably low for the vehicle's age and points to either genuinely light running or extended periods of standing. There are no significant gaps in the annual MOT testing pattern from 2019 onwards, so the car has remained on the road continuously, but the relatively static mileage between tests is consistent with a second or occasional-use vehicle. Low annual mileage typically reduces wear on major drivetrain components but can accelerate deterioration of items affected by long stationary periods, such as brake discs corroding on the surface, brake calliper slide pins seizing, and ageing of rubber components in the suspension and braking systems. For a prospective buyer, the recurring inner-edge front tyre wear is the primary concern and warrants a focused inspection of the front suspension and wheel geometry before purchase. The pattern is consistent with misalignment of the front axle, possibly combined with worn suspension components, and a four-wheel alignment check should be considered as a priority alongside replacement of the front tyres. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clonking from the front suspension over bumps and rough surfaces, pay particular attention to any knocking emanating from the front strut top mounts, lower wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links and track rod ends, and feel for vagueness or play through the steering. Uneven or feathered tread across the front tyres after alignment, or the steering pulling to one side under braking or on acceleration, would indicate that the underlying cause has not been resolved. Given the low overall mileage, the braking system deserves close physical inspection rather than reliance on the MOT record alone. Check that the front brake discs are free from significant lipping or severe surface corrosion, as lightly used discs can develop uneven wear patterns and judder under braking, and verify that the callipers are releasing correctly without binding. Inspect the underside of the vehicle, paying particular attention to the brake pipes, fuel lines, subframe and suspension arms for any surface corrosion or seepage, and examine the condition of the coil springs and suspension bushes for cracking or perishing. With a fresh MOT in place and the washer system fault already rectified, the mechanical priorities for the new keeper are clear: address the front tyre wear pattern at its root cause, renew the front tyres, and budget for a thorough inspection of the undercarriage components that low-mileage standing periods tend to compromise.