2004 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · PF53 HFP

A clear pattern of corrosion-related wear is emerging across the suspension and brake pipework of this 22-year-old Renault Clio, with the most recent test on 15 May 2025 passing but logging four advisories that together paint a familiar picture of age-related deterioration. The 2025 result records corrosion on the offside front suspension arm, both rear coil springs, and the rear brake pipe, while the 2023 test had already flagged both front coil springs and front brake disc wear. This is consistent with a vehicle that has accumulated seven MOT entries since 2016, three of which resulted in failure: the 2021 dangerous failure for brake linings under 1.5 mm and a fractured nearside front coil spring is particularly significant, as is the 2018 PRS failure for ineffective wipers and two tyre cuts exceeding the legal limit. The cluster of coil spring advisories spanning 2021, 2023, and 2025 demonstrates a progressive corrosion issue across all four corners, and the repeated brake pipe advisories over the rear beam in 2021 and again in 2025 suggest localised surface corrosion that has not been fully rectified. The recorded mileage of 61,487 miles across 22 years equates to an average of roughly 2,795 miles per annum, which is notably low for the vehicle's age and points towards either limited regular use or extended periods of stationary storage. The mileage progression between tests shows a gap of around three years between 2018 and 2021, followed by annual testing from 2021 onwards, with recorded mileages consistent with light, intermittent use rather than high-mileage commuter duty. Mechanically, this pattern reduces wear on drivetrain and engine components but elevates the risk associated with dormant corrosion, dried rubber seals, brake disc surface pitting from infrequent use, and the coil spring fractures that have already been recorded. The front brake disc pitting flagged in 2023, combined with the dangerous brake lining failure in 2021, illustrates how low-mileage vehicles can suffer from seized calipers, glazed friction material, and corroded hydraulic components when not exercised regularly. A prospective buyer should treat the suspension and brake pipework as priority inspection items. With advisories recorded on every corner's coil spring across the last three tests, the springs themselves warrant close physical examination for surface rust scale, pitting, and any signs of cracking at the lower coils where fracture typically initiates. The offside front suspension arm corrosion noted in 2025 should be inspected alongside all related bushes, as 22-year-old rubber components commonly harden, perish, and split, producing clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven road surfaces. On a test drive, listen for any knocking from the front end over bumps, pay particular attention to any vagueness or juddering through the steering wheel that could indicate worn arm bushes, and check whether the vehicle pulls to one side under braking, which would suggest binding calipers given the disc wear already recorded. The brake system demands equal scrutiny, particularly the rear brake pipes routed over the rear beam, where corrosion advisories appeared in 2021 and again in 2025. These pipes should be visually inspected along their entire length for swelling, pinholing, or flaking rust, as corrosion hidden beneath surface grease can progress unseen. The front brake discs, recorded as pitted in 2023, should be checked for lipping, run-out, and excessive judder under firm pedal pressure, while a thorough check of pad and lining thickness through the wheel spokes is essential given the prior dangerous failure. The tyres should also be examined carefully for cuts, bulges, or cracking in the sidewalls, as the 2018 and 2021 tests both recorded cuts exceeding the legal limit. Finally, the recent wiper blade advisories and the 2018 ineffective wiper failure suggest attention to general trim and ancillary condition, and a thorough walkaround for any oil misting, coolant residue, or underfloor corrosion would be prudent given the vehicle's age and confirmed suspension and brake line rust history.