2018 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · RO68 LBZ

The latest MOT inspection for this Renault Clio resulted in a pass on 22 October 2025, following a dangerous failure just one day prior. While the vehicle is currently compliant, the recent maintenance trend is concerning as it indicates a pattern of reactive rather than preventative upkeep. The transition from a dangerous failure regarding structural tyre integrity to a pass suggests that critical safety components are being addressed only when they reach the point of legal failure. The history shows a recurring inability to manage consumable wear, particularly regarding braking systems and tyres, which suggests the vehicle may have been driven on marginal components for extended periods. With 90,101 miles recorded over approximately eight years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 11,263 miles per year. This represents typical, consistent usage for a UK hatchback, suggesting the mechanical wear is consistent with its age rather than being the result of extreme motorway cruising or heavy urban stop-start driving. However, at this mileage threshold, several high-wear components are approaching the end of their natural service life. You should anticipate that suspension bushes, shock absorbers, and various drivetrain seals may soon require attention, as the cumulative mileage will have placed significant stress on these rubber and metal interfaces. A significant area of concern is the recurring history of tyre degradation and brake component failures. The MOT records show repeated advisories for perishing and cracking tyres, culminating in a dangerous failure due to structural separation on the nearside front tyre. This indicates that the tyres may be aged or have been subject to sidewall damage. During your test drive, inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall cracking, bulges, or uneven tread wear, which could indicate underlying suspension geometry issues. Furthermore, the January 2025 failure regarding imbalanced rear brakes and lagging nearside rear service brakes suggests a history of sticking or binding calipers. Listen for any scraping noises or unusual heat radiating from the wheels after a drive, and feel for any pulsation or shudder through the brake pedal, which would indicate warped or pitted discs. Given the history of brake and tyre issues, you must verify that all recent repairs were carried out with high-quality parts and not merely as a minimum legal fix. Check the service history specifically for recent brake disc and pad replacements to ensure the January 2025 failures were fully rectified across the entire axle. Because the vehicle has seen consistent annual mileage, you should also check the condition of the battery and the age of the various fluid types, such as coolant and brake fluid, as these degrade over time regardless of mileage. Ensure the service book contains evidence of regular oil changes to mitigate the wear associated with a 90,000-mile engine, and inspect the underbody for any signs of excessive corrosion that may have been exacerbated by road salt over the vehicle's eight-year lifespan.