2015 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · SC15 UHG

The most recent DVSA test on 5 June 2026 recorded a failure, principally for an off‑side front constant‑velocity joint boot that is split and no longer protects the joint, a mis‑aligned near‑side front headlamp and a persistent TPMS warning. Although the same date also shows a pass with only advisory notes, the presence of two major defects means the vehicle did not meet the legal standard at that test. Over the previous three years the pattern has been one of repeated failures for corroded brake pipes, a faulty parking‑brake adjustment and tyre wear limits, interspersed with passes that only carried advisory comments. The recurrence of corrosion, the emergence of a CV‑joint boot fault and the headlamp mis‑alignment indicate a worsening maintenance trend rather than a stabilising one. At 64,548 mi the car averages just under 5,900 mi per year, well below the typical UK usage of around 10‑12 000 mi annually. Such low mileage often points to periods of limited use or long spells of standing, which can accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber components, corrosion of metal work and battery deterioration. The modest mileage does not, therefore, guarantee the condition of wear items; instead it suggests that the vehicle may have suffered from calendar‑related wear rather than mileage‑driven wear, a factor that aligns with the repeated brake‑pipe corrosion and tyre side‑wall cracking noted in the MOT records. A prospective buyer should give the off‑side front CV joint a thorough inspection: look for grease or dirt on the boot, feel for any play or clicking when the wheel is turned under load, and listen for a whine that changes with engine speed. The headlamp must be realigned or replaced to meet the correct beam pattern, and the TPMS sensor should be checked for fault codes and proper operation. The brake system requires urgent attention – all four brake pipes have been recorded as excessively corroded and covered in grease, a condition that can lead to leaks, reduced braking efficiency and potential failure; replacement of the entire pipe set, a fresh brake fluid flush and a test of the parking‑brake operation on the near‑side (previously inoperative) are essential. The front suspension arm bush on the near‑side shows wear; any clunking, looseness or uneven tyre wear during a short drive would confirm the need for bush replacement. Given the vehicle’s age and low annual mileage, the buyer should also examine the tyre condition beyond tread depth: side‑wall cracks on the off‑side rear tyre and any perishing of the rubber are common in long‑standing tyres and may necessitate replacement even if the tread appears acceptable. A check of the 12 V battery’s cranking voltage and electrolyte level (or a load test) is prudent, as batteries left idle for extended periods lose capacity. Inspect the under‑carriage for rust, especially around the brake pipe routing, and verify that all fluid reservoirs – brake, coolant, engine oil and power‑steering – have been changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s time‑based service intervals. A full service history, including any recent replacement of the CV joint boot, headlamp, brake pipes or suspension components, will provide confidence that the most critical ageing issues have been addressed before purchase.