2013 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · PO13 TCV

Recurring mechanical issues involving braking components, suspension wear, and fluid leaks define the maintenance profile of this Renault Clio, with the most recent test on 29 August 2025 showing a pass despite several persistent advisories. The vehicle's history reveals a pattern of deteriorating consumables, specifically front brake pads which have been flagged as wearing thin in consecutive tests since August 2024. While the 2025 result shows a pass, the presence of ongoing advisories for an oil leak, worn front brake pads, and nearside front suspension arm bush wear suggests that while the vehicle meets minimum legal standards, several mechanical components are approaching the end of their service life. The recorded mileage of 112,370 miles over approximately 13 years equates to an average annual usage of roughly 8,644 miles. This represents a typical usage pattern for a small hatchback of this age, suggesting the vehicle has not been subject to extreme high-mileage motorway driving nor has it sat stationary for extended periods. Mechanically, this level of accumulation is consistent with the wear observed in the MOT records, particularly regarding suspension bushings and braking systems, which are subject to standard operational fatigue rather than the accelerated degradation seen in much higher-mileage examples. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the braking system and suspension during a test drive. The repeated advisories for thinning front brake pads and a previous failure regarding insufficient brake lever travel necessitate a thorough inspection of the pads, discs, and the mechanical operation of the handbrake. Listen for any squealing or grinding noises during deceleration, and feel for any pulsation or judder through the brake pedal, which could indicate warped discs. Furthermore, the advisory regarding the nearside front suspension arm bush and the previous failure of the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint suggest potential instability in the steering. During the test drive, listen for knocks, clunks, or a vague feeling through the steering wheel when navigating uneven road surfaces or turning the wheel at low speeds. The engine's oil leak, which has been noted as an advisory in both 2024 and 2025 after a major failure for excessive leaking in 2024, requires close monitoring. Check the engine bay for visible oil misting or pooling and inspect the ground beneath the vehicle after it has been stationary to gauge the severity of the leak. Additionally, the recent advisory for a tyre worn close to the legal limit on the offside front and previous dangerous failures for tyre tread depth indicate that tyre management is a recurring issue. Ensure all tyres have adequate tread depth across the entire width of the tyre and check for uneven wear patterns, which would correlate with the previously flagged suspension component issues.