2018 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · RH12 MAM

The Renault Clio’s most recent MOT test on 2025-07-25 confirms it passed without defects, though this follows a critical failure just one day earlier at 57,285 miles. The failure revealed severe wear to both front suspension ball joints and a binding rear brake, alongside a parking brake efficiency issue—problems that suggest either deferred maintenance or a lack of pre-MOT attention. The 2024 test at 51,739 miles already noted worn front brake discs and a binding offside rear brake, while the 2023 test at 46,287 miles repeated the front disc warning. This pattern of recurring suspension and brake faults indicates a worsening trend in critical components, despite the vehicle passing its last test. The 2022 test at 41,248 miles was clean, but the subsequent history shows a clear deterioration in mechanical reliability. The mileage progression averages roughly 7,161 miles per year, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. However, the gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests—just under 5,500 miles in a year—is unusually low for a car with known suspension and brake issues, suggesting it may have been driven less frequently or stored rather than regularly serviced. The 2022 to 2023 interval saw a similar low mileage increase (around 5,000 miles), which could imply either light use or prolonged periods without maintenance. The absence of service records complicates this further, but the MOT history alone suggests the vehicle was not subjected to consistent mechanical checks. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension, particularly the ball joints and associated mounting points, given their repeated failure in the 2025 test. The rear brakes were flagged for binding in 2024, so the caliper slides, brake pads, and discs should be checked for uneven wear or corrosion. The parking brake system also warrants attention, as its efficiency was deemed inadequate in 2025. Additionally, the front brake discs showed pitting in multiple tests, indicating potential thermal stress or inadequate cooling—this could point to future warping or reduced stopping performance. Structural components like wheel arches and subframes should be examined for corrosion, especially given the vehicle’s age and mileage.