2017 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · SC17 LGD

The most recent DVSA examination on 6 July 2026 resulted in a pass, but the same date also records a prior fail on the same visit, with the vehicle subsequently passing once the major defect was rectified. The major failure was for a serious fluid leak from the offside front shock absorber, which is a significant structural and safety concern as hydraulic fluid loss compromises damping efficiency and can lead to poor tyre contact, increased stopping distances, and accelerated wear on related suspension components. The advisories accompanying both the pass and fail are particularly telling. A sump leak, first noted as corrosion in 2025 and now described as an active leak, indicates a progression that warrants immediate investigation, as prolonged oil loss can lead to engine damage through low lubrication. Furthermore, nearside front suspension arm ball joint play has been flagged across both the failed and passed tests in 2026, with similar ball joint wear recorded as a major failure in 2023, suggesting a recurring or inadequately addressed wear pattern in the front suspension geometry. Additional advisories for nearside and offside front tyres worn to the legal limit, alongside an offside front brake pipe showing corrosion, point to a vehicle in need of considerable front-end refurbishment. The recorded mileage of 40,231 miles over approximately nine years equates to an average annual mileage of around 4,470 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. Such light usage often results in extended periods of standing, which can accelerate certain forms of degradation even as mechanical wear from road use remains minimal. The MOT history shows a consistent annual testing pattern from 2022 through 2026, indicating regular use or at least regular presentation for test, though the underlying mileage accumulation between tests would need to be verified to ensure it is not artificially suppressed. Low-mileage examples of this age frequently suffer from issues such as brake disc corrosion due to lack of use, leading to binding calipers, as well as premature ageing of rubber components including tyres, drive belts, and suspension bushes, which can perish or harden from disuse. Given the recurring front suspension issues, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough test drive paying close attention to any knocking or clunking noises from the front end, particularly over speed bumps, uneven surfaces, or during heavy braking. The steering should feel precise and free from excessive play, while the vehicle should track straight without pulling to one side, which would indicate worn ball joints, control arm bushes, or tracking issues stemming from the recent suspension work. Listen for any rumbling or droning from the front wheels that might suggest failing wheel bearings, and inspect the offside front shock absorber area for fresh oil residue, staining, or wetness around the damper body and top mount. The offside front coil spring has now fractured on two separate occasions, in 2023 and 2025, which is an unusual pattern for a low-mileage vehicle and may indicate poor component quality, aggressive kerbing, or underlying corrosion weakening the spring metal. Beyond the documented defects, this 2017 Clio requires careful inspection of several age- and standing-related concerns regardless of its low mileage. All four tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, perishing, and tread depth, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age irrespective of wear, and the nearside rear tyres were flagged for damage and perishing as recently as 2025. The brake discs, particularly at the front where advisories for pitting and wear were recorded in 2022, should be checked for corrosion ridges on the edges and for any seizing in the caliper mechanisms from infrequent use. The 12-volt battery is now nine years old or thereabouts and is almost certainly due for replacement, as batteries of this age typically fail without warning and can cause starting issues or electrical faults. The sump leak, now active rather than merely corroded, should be inspected for severity and the source identified, and engine oil and filter changes should be confirmed via service history. Coolant and brake fluid should also be regarded as overdue for renewal on a calendar basis, as these fluids degrade hygroscopically over time and lose protective properties, potentially leading to corrosion within the cooling system or brake fade under heavy use. A compression test or oil analysis would provide reassurance regarding internal engine condition given the low recorded mileage, and verifying that the timing chain or belt has been replaced according to manufacturer schedules is essential on a Renault of this vintage.