2018 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · PB08 CMB

The most recent DVSA MOT test recorded on 23 October 2025 resulted in an initial failure followed by a pass on the same date, indicating that remedial work was carried out to address the immediate fail items prior to re-presentation. The reasons for refusal were three PRS items: nearside and offside rear direction indicators showing incorrect colour, and an offside front windscreen wiper not clearing the windscreen effectively. These are relatively minor defects and the subsequent pass suggests the vehicle is presently roadworthy. Looking at the broader pattern across 2022 through 2025, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but with a concerning recurring theme around front tyre wear and, more worryingly, a prior dangerous defect for front brake pads. The 2024 dangerous failure on both front tyres reaching below 1.6mm tread, and the 2023 dangerous failure combining exposed ply/cords on the offside front tyre with sub-1.5mm front brake pads, suggest the previous keeper has either been slow to address consumables or there is an underlying issue causing accelerated wear at the front axle. The fact that the most recent test still flags a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit indicates this tendency has not fully resolved. Against an age of around eight years, the recorded mileage of 56,675 miles equates to roughly 7,084 miles per year, which sits close to the typical annual average for a vehicle of this type and age. There are no extended gaps in the MOT history suggesting prolonged standing, and mileage progression between tests appears steady and consistent rather than displaying the very low usage patterns that often bring separate concerns such as brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, or dry rotted tyres from lack of rotation. This is a working vehicle that has seen regular road use, which is generally positive for mechanical condition as it avoids many of the pitfalls associated with cars that sit unused for long periods, although it does mean the wear-related defects already observed are more likely to be representative of genuine consumption rather than merely age-related deterioration. The recurring front tyre wear deserves particular attention on inspection, especially as it has manifested as both edge wear and, in 2023, dangerous cord exposure. Uneven or accelerated shoulder wear on the front axle is often symptomatic of tracking misalignment, worn suspension components such as wishbone bushes, bottom ball joints, droplinks, or top mounts, or coil spring fatigue, all of which can upset the contact patch geometry. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for vague steering, pulling to one side under braking, or poor straight-line stability, any of which would suggest the underlying cause has not been rectified. Given the 2023 dangerous brake pad failure, the brake discs should also be inspected for lipping, scoring, or minimum thickness concerns, and the system should be tested for any shudder or pull under medium to heavy braking, as well as any binding or dragging sensation when releasing the throttle. Beyond the items in the MOT history, there are several age and mileage appropriate checks that should form part of any prospective purchase inspection. The advisory on the offside rear brake pipe noting corrosion covered in grease or other material suggests some deterioration of the underbody braking or fuel line components and warrants a close physical examination for surface corrosion, weeping joints, or perished rubber sections along the full length of the brake and fuel lines, as vehicles of this age are entering the period where such components commonly require renewal. With eight years of service life, the 12V battery health should be verified as original units are well past expected service life, and brake fluid should ideally have been replaced regardless of mileage due to its hygroscopic nature and calendar-based degradation. Cooling system hoses, the timing chain or belt depending on the specific engine variant, and the clutch for any slip or judder if manual transmission should be checked, while a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, wheel arches, and brake line junctions, would be prudent given the coastal or winter road exposure that a UK-registered Clio of this age will almost certainly have endured.