2012 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · RO62 STX

The most recent MOT, carried out on 3 November 2025, resulted in a Pass with a single advisory concerning slight wear on the brake‑lever pivots. Over the last five years the record shows a pattern of recurring brake‑pad and disc wear, intermittent tyre safety failures and occasional lighting faults, interspersed with passes that only carry advisory notes. While the vehicle has cleared its last test, the persistence of brake‑related advisories and the earlier dangerous tyre condition indicate that the overall maintenance trend is stable but requires prompt attention to the wear items that have repeatedly surfaced. At 78,054 mi the car averages roughly 5,600 mi per annum, which is well below the typical usage for a fourteen‑year‑old vehicle. The low annual mileage suggests periods of light use or extended storage, both of which can be gentle on mechanical components but may accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber, battery plates and corrosion‑prone parts. The modest mileage does not, however, offset the wear that has already been recorded on the braking system and tyres, and it underscores the need to verify that consumables have been replaced in line with calendar intervals rather than mileage alone. A prospective buyer should give the braking system the highest priority. Inspect the front brake pads for remaining thickness – they were recorded as less than 1.5 mm in 2022 and still noted as thin in later advisories – and examine the discs for scoring or pitting that could lead to vibration or reduced stopping efficiency. During a test drive listen for any squeal or grinding on firm braking and feel for a soft or spongy pedal, which may indicate worn pads, glazed discs or a stretched handbrake cable, the latter being flagged repeatedly as having high travel. Verify that all position lamps operate correctly, as front lamp failures were the cause of a recent dangerous failure, and check for any new warning lights on the dash that could point to electrical faults. Beyond the brakes, assess the condition of the tyres – ensure both fronts have been replaced since the 2024 dangerous ply‑exposure failure and that the tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm, while also looking for sidewall cracking that can develop with age even on low‑mileage tyres. Examine the engine bay for signs of the modest oil leak noted in 2024, confirming that the source is not from a cracked gasket or worn seal, and monitor oil level and condition. Test the handbrake for firm holding power; excessive travel may signal a stretched cable or a caliper that is not fully releasing. Given the vehicle’s age, check the battery’s cranking performance and inspect the suspension bushings, chassis joints and exhaust for corrosion that can arise from prolonged stationary periods. Finally, confirm that time‑based services such as timing‑belt replacement (typically at 60 000 mi or six years for the 2012 Clio), coolant flush and brake‑fluid change have been performed, as these are critical for long‑term reliability even when mileage is modest.