2012 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · SA62 OCL

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile with a worsening trend in structural and mechanical integrity. While it passed its most recent test in November 2024 at 108,644 miles, the failure just one day prior revealed a significant list of critical defects. The presence of a fractured offside front coil spring, excessively worn ball joints, and high carbon monoxide emissions indicates a vehicle reaching a stage of neglect where the owner is only addressing the absolute minimum repairs required to pass a test rather than performing proactive preventative maintenance. At 108,644 miles over 14 years, the Clio averages approximately 7,760 miles per year, which is consistent with typical low-intensity usage. However, the data shows a notable gap between September 2023 (100,381 miles) and November 2024 (108,644 miles), representing over 8,000 miles without an inspection. This interval coincides with the rapid deterioration of suspension components, suggesting the car has been driven with developing mechanical faults during this period. A buyer must focus their physical inspection on the structural integrity of the chassis. Records consistently flag the radiator support crossmember as corroded and holed, dating back to 2022 and persisting into the 2024 failure. This type of corrosion, combined with general underbody rust, suggests the vehicle is on a trajectory toward structural failure. The buyer should also closely inspect the front suspension for further play, as the history shows recurring issues with excessive wear on ball joints and perished boots. The braking system also shows a pattern of poor upkeep. The tester noted fluctuating front brakes and worn discs in 2022 and 2023, followed by a handbrake with insufficient reserve travel in late 2024. Given the high carbon monoxide reading recorded in the latest failure, the engine's health and exhaust system should be verified to ensure there are no deeper combustion or catalytic issues. The recurring failures of bulbs and lamps further indicate that the previous owner has consistently overlooked basic safety checks until prompted by the MOT tester.