2012 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · RV12 ABF

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a reactive pattern of repair rather than proactive care. While it passed its latest test on 12 May 2026 at 96,774 miles, it failed just one day prior with a multitude of safety-critical defects. The trend shows a recurring failure to address essential components such as lighting, suspension, and braking hardware, suggesting that the owner only addresses mechanical issues when forced by an MOT failure. At 96,774 miles over 14 years, the Clio has covered a consistent average of approximately 6,900 miles per year, which is typical for a smaller city car. However, the mileage accumulation has accelerated in recent years, with 13,275 miles covered between June 2024 and May 2026. This increase in usage, combined with the vehicle's age, explains the frequent appearance of worn brake discs and the accelerated degradation of rubber-based components, as evidenced by the consistent perishing and cracking tyres noted across the record. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension system, as coil springs have fractured or broken in 2021, 2024, and 2026. The tester also flagged a seriously weakened offside front Macpherson strut mounting in 2024, which requires scrutiny for structural integrity at the mounting points. The braking system shows a chronic history of pitted and scored discs, with binding rear brakes noted in the 2026 failure, indicating that calipers or sliding pins may require attention. The record indicates a persistent front oil leak present since at least 2021, which should be monitored to ensure it has not worsened into a significant leak. Given the frequent failures for tyre-related damage and sidewall cuts, the current set of tyres may be nearing the end of their safe life or possess structural weaknesses. Ensure all external lighting is fully functional, as blown bulbs have been recurring points of failure in the last three annual tests.