2014 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · SA64 AXT

The vehicle currently holds a pass on the 2026-02-10 MOT, but the overall maintenance trend is deteriorating rather than stable. The most recent test on 2026-02-10 shows a severe deterioration of the offside front outer drive shaft joint constant velocity boot, which is a critical structural failure that has not been addressed. This recent failure, combined with a cracked or perishing offside rear tyre and a worn nearside rear tyre, indicates that the vehicle has likely undergone significant wear since the 2025-02-07 test, where the offside front brake pipe was corroded and covered in grease. The lack of a clear record of recent maintenance for the suspension components and brake systems suggests that basic upkeep was skipped, allowing corrosion and wear to accumulate. The mileage accumulation is substantial, averaging approximately 7,987 miles per year. While the vehicle is roughly 12 years old and falls within the typical range for its age, the rapid increase in recorded mileage since the 2025-02-07 test indicates that wear on consumables and structural components is accelerating. The gap between the 2025-02-07 and 2026-02-10 passes is minimal, suggesting that the vehicle has maintained its performance well during the 3-month period but is now facing a severe structural risk. The 2026-02-10 test is the only record that confirms a failure of the drive shaft joint, marking the first definitive evidence of a structural integrity issue that must be addressed immediately. A buyer should inspect the vehicle for the specific defects flagged in the 2026-02-10 MOT, including the constant velocity boot on the drive shaft and the cracked rear tyre, before proceeding. While the brake pipe was corroded in 2025, the lack of recent maintenance records implies that these corrosion issues have persisted or worsened over the last year. The suspension components, particularly the ball joints and lower suspension arms, show signs of excessive wear that have not been corrected, and the coil springs have also corroded, which is a significant warning sign for future failure. The exhaust system, showing a minor leak in the centre to rear joint, requires attention, as this could lead to further emissions issues and reduced fuel economy. Given the combination of structural failures and accelerating mileage, the vehicle is currently in a state of high risk for imminent failure, and the buyer must assess whether the vehicle is worth repairing or if it should be scrapped.