2016 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · RF65 VCD

The most recent DVSA test, conducted on 29 August 2025, resulted in a Pass with a single advisory noting a smooth-wearing brake pedal, an item that relates to driver feel rather than mechanical integrity. Looking at the broader MOT history, the maintenance trend shows some inconsistency rather than clear stability. A Dangerous failure was recorded on 28 August 2024 due to front brake pads worn below the statutory 1.5 mm minimum thickness, accompanied by an advisory for worn and pitted front brake discs and a Minor defect for a deteriorated offside front CV joint boot. A further Major failure on 25 August 2023 cited imbalanced rear brakes across axle two. The pattern suggests that the braking system has been the primary area of concern over recent years, with the front brakes now addressed but the rear balance issue last flagged in 2023 warranting confirmation that corrective work was carried out and that the imbalance has not since recurred. With 111,337 miles recorded against a 2016 registration, the vehicle has covered approximately 11,134 miles per year over its ten-year life, which sits broadly within typical annual usage expectations for a small petrol supermini of this age. The MOT history shows annual testing from 2021 onwards without notable gaps or sudden mileage jumps, indicating regular use rather than long periods of standing. That said, a 2016 Clio now approaching its eleventh year will still face age-related degradation of components such as rubber bushes, coolant hoses, the 12V battery, and exhaust mounting rubbers, irrespective of the odometer reading. Prospective buyers should be reassured that the mileage alone does not flag any particular concern, but the age strongly supports a thorough physical inspection of perishable items. Given the recurring brake-related defects on file, particular attention should be paid to the braking system during inspection and test drive. The advisory on the brake pedal wearing smooth is a relatively minor observation but suggests frequent heavy use or possibly a driver resting their foot on the pedal. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsation through the pedal under firm braking, which could indicate the front discs still require replacement following the pad renewal or that the caliper slides are binding. Uneven braking feel from left to right or pulling to one side under moderate stopping would be consistent with the historic rear imbalance defect, so confirming that both rear calipers are free in their slides, the handbrake mechanism is self-adjusting correctly, and the rear friction material has adequate thickness is essential. Also inspect the offside front CV boot area for fresh grease contamination around the joint, as the deteriorated boot recorded in 2024 will require monitoring and likely further replacement if not recently addressed, with symptoms on test drive being a clicking or knocking noise on full lock at low speed. Beyond the recorded defects, a 2016 Clio of this age and mileage warrants a comprehensive physical check regardless of a clean MOT pass. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall cracking or perishing from age, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar exposure even on lightly used vehicles, and verify that the production date codes are within a reasonable period. Check the 12V battery health, since units of this vintage are often approaching end of life and a weak battery can cause erratic electronics in modern Renaults. Examine the underbody, suspension arms, coil springs, and exhaust system for surface corrosion, paying particular attention to the rear axle beam, which is known to suffer corrosion on Clios of this generation. Confirm the service book stamps align with the recorded mileage and verify when the brake fluid, coolant, and automatic or manual transmission oil were last renewed by time rather than distance, as these fluids degrade with age. Finally, ensure all warning lamps extinguish promptly on ignition and that the infotainment and climate control functions operate correctly, as electrical gremlins are not uncommon in higher-mileage Renaults of this era.