2018 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · SC18 LCP

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 May 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, and the three prior annual tests from 2023 through 2025 also passed without any recorded items. This represents a stable and improving maintenance trend, particularly when compared to the earlier history which contained a failure and several advisories. The single failure event occurred on 18 June 2022 and was attributable to both windscreen wiper blades failing to clear the screen effectively, a relatively straightforward consumable issue rather than a structural or mechanical defect. The fact that no wiper-related defects have appeared since suggests those components were replaced at the time of repair and have remained serviceable through subsequent tests. Overall, the pattern of clean passes over the last three years indicates that the vehicle has been maintained to a satisfactory roadworthy standard. With 81,145 miles recorded over approximately eight years, this Clio is accumulating around 10,143 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and segment. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest prolonged standing periods, which is mechanically favourable as it reduces the risk of brake disc corrosion from inactivity, moisture accumulation in the braking system, and the calendar-based degradation of fluids. The mileage accumulation is steady rather than excessive, meaning that high-mileage wear concerns such as premature clutch wear, heavy drivetrain stress, or rapid suspension component fatigue are less likely to have been accelerated beyond normal parameters. That said, at this odometer reading, routine replacement of age-related consumables including timing belt or chain service intervals, brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid where applicable should be confirmed against the manufacturer's service schedule. The advisories recorded in 2021 relating to both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit on the inner edge are mechanically significant and warrant particular attention during inspection. Inner-edge wear on a pair of front tyres typically indicates either incorrect wheel alignment, particularly excess negative camber or a thrust angle issue, worn suspension bushes allowing geometry shift, or sagging coil springs. These tyres were clearly replaced by the time of the 2022 test, but the underlying cause may not have been addressed, so a prospective buyer should request evidence of a four-wheel alignment check and inspect the sidewalls of the current tyres for any uneven wear patterns. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would suggest perished or worn suspension bushes or top mount bearings, and pay attention to any pulling to one side under braking or steady-state cruising which would indicate residual geometry concerns. Additionally, the 2022 advisory noting slight sidewall damage to the offside front tyre should prompt a close visual inspection of all four sidewalls for any bulges, cracks, or perishing given the vehicle's age. Beyond the recorded MOT history, there are several age-and-mileage-appropriate checks worth conducting before purchase. The 12V battery should be tested for cranking performance, as batteries on vehicles of this age often require replacement between years five and seven even without obvious symptoms. Brake discs should be examined for lipping and surface corrosion, and the caliper slide pins should be checked for free movement to ensure no binding is occurring that could lead to uneven pad wear or pulling under braking. All fluid levels and their dates of last replacement should be verified against the service book, particularly brake fluid which absorbs moisture over time and is typically due every two years regardless of mileage. Finally, inspect the exhaust system for signs of corrosion at the mounting points and joints, as underbody corrosion on an eight-year-old vehicle used in typical UK conditions can compromise structural integrity and emissions performance well before any MOT failure manifests.