2010 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · OU10 XEB

The most recent DVSA examination on 27 February 2026 resulted in a pass, although five advisories were recorded, the most significant of which relate to the front braking system. These advisories flag that both front brake discs are now considered worn, pitted or scored with inner surface corrosion close to the advisory limit, that the front brake pads are wearing thin with uneven wear attributable to that disc corrosion, that the front brake imbalance is only just within the prescribed limits and that front and nearside rear tyres are worn close to the legal limit with edge wear present. The pattern across the available MOT history shows a clear deterioration over time. While the 2022 and 2023 tests passed with minimal or no advisory items, the 2024 test produced dangerous defects for structurally compromised rear tyres and the 2025 and 2026 tests have escalated into major lighting failures and progressively worsening brake condition advisories. This trajectory suggests that although the vehicle is presently legal, deferred maintenance is accumulating, particularly on the braking system, and a buyer should treat the current pass as a low-margin outcome rather than a clean bill of health. The recorded mileage of 115,793 miles on a 2010 Renault Clio represents a broadly average annual usage of approximately 7,237 miles, which is reasonable for a sixteen-year-old small hatchback. There are no obvious extended gaps in the recorded mileage from the MOT history, implying the vehicle has been in regular rather than long-term standing use. At this mileage the mechanical items of greatest concern tend to be the engine, clutch, suspension bushes, coil springs, exhaust system, and ancillary rubber components, all of which will have experienced significant cumulative wear and fatigue. The relatively high mileage combined with the age of the vehicle also means that time-dependent degradation of fluids, hoses and electrical items should be expected regardless of the mileage figure itself. The recurring brake-related advisories are the single most important area for the prospective buyer to investigate physically and on a test drive. The corrosion and pitting on the inner surface of the front discs, combined with uneven pad wear and a brake imbalance advisory, indicates that the discs are nearing the end of their service life and that a set of replacement front discs and pads is likely required imminently. On a road test, the buyer should listen for any grinding, squealing or rhythmic scraping from the front brakes, feel for brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, and check for any pull to one side which would confirm imbalance. The nearside rear tyre edge wear advisory is also worth noting, as it can indicate either an unresolved tracking issue, a worn rear suspension bush, or simply that the wheel alignment is overdue; a steering pull or uneven rear tyre wear across the tread face during inspection would confirm this. The lighting failures on the 2025 and 2026 tests, including a non-functioning dipped beam headlamp, offside front position lamp and registration plate lamp, suggest attention to electrical integrity, bulb condition and connector corrosion is warranted, particularly given the age of the vehicle. Beyond the specific recorded defects, age and mileage dictate several additional inspection priorities. Even though the front tyres were flagged as recently worn, all four tyres should be checked for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on a vehicle of this age and can render a tyre unsafe regardless of remaining tread depth. The brake fluid should be considered overdue for renewal, as it degrades with time and absorbs moisture, and the cooling system, including the radiator, hoses and thermostat, warrants visual inspection for leaks and corrosion given the vehicle’s age. The 12 volt battery is also likely approaching the end of its useful life and should be load tested. A compression test or at least a careful listen for timing chain rattle on cold start would be prudent given the higher mileage, and the exhaust system should be checked for corrosion at the mounting points and joints. Verifying full service history stamps, particularly for recent brake fluid, coolant and cambelt replacements where applicable to this engine variant, will provide further confidence in how the vehicle has been maintained over its life.