2012 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · RV12 ACX

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status, but the maintenance history reveals a reactive rather than proactive ownership pattern. The most recent test on 30 October 2025 at 42,372 miles resulted in a pass following a failure for a central exhaust leak and a fractured offside rear coil spring. This follows a recurring trend where mechanical faults are only addressed after failing an inspection, suggesting the owner performs the bare minimum required to maintain legal compliance rather than conducting preventative maintenance. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 14-year-old vehicle, with only 42,372 miles recorded which averages roughly 3,000 miles per year. This low usage explains the frequent deterioration of rubber-based components, as seen in the repeated failures for perished tyres and cracked sidewalls across all four wheels between 2017 and 2019. However, the long intervals between tests, such as the one-year gap after 2020, indicate the car likely sits for extended periods, which can lead to dry rot and internal fluid degradation. A buyer must pay close attention to the structural integrity of the front support panel. In October 2023 at 36,300 miles, the tester flagged excessive corrosion on the subframe mounting area that significantly reduced structural strength. While the vehicle passed later, corrosion on load-bearing members is progressive and requires physical inspection to ensure the rust has not spread. The history also shows multiple distorted road wheels between 2021 and 2023, which may indicate previous kerb damage or alignment issues that are stressing the suspension. The suspension and braking systems also require scrutiny. The November 2024 test noted that the rear brakes were only just meeting legal requirements due to imbalance, suggesting sticking calipers or worn mechanisms. Given the recent failures for fractured coil springs in 2024 and 2025, the entire suspension geometry should be checked for uneven wear or perished bushings. The central exhaust leak identified in the October 2025 test should be verified as a permanent repair rather than a temporary fix to prevent future emissions failures.