2018 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · SC18 WVR

The most recent DVSA examination on 7 August 2026 recorded a pass with no defects, which is a positive outcome on the surface. However, this single pass follows a Dangerous failure just days earlier on 31 July 2026, where the vehicle was presented with structurally compromised nearside front and offside rear tyres together with a front brake disc that was deemed significantly and obviously worn. The broader three year picture shows an inconsistent pattern, with three pass results interspersed by two separate Dangerous failure presentations in 2024 and 2025, alongside a third failure event in mid 2026. While each failure was rectified before the subsequent test, the recurrence of dangerous tyre defects across multiple test dates and the repeated appearance of brake and suspension advisories suggests a maintenance regime that has been reactive rather than preventative, rather than a stable or improving trend. With 40,153 miles accumulated over eight years, this Clio has averaged around 5,000 miles per year, which is well below the national average and consistent with short journey urban or suburban use. Low annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on major drivetrain components but increases the likelihood of calendar based deterioration, particularly corrosion on the braking system, fluid degradation, and tyre ageing due to standing periods. There are no significant mileage gaps or sudden accumulations evident from the recorded tests, but the pattern of front end tyre and suspension wear points to a vehicle that has seen a high proportion of low speed, heavy steering lock usage typical of town driving, which places concentrated stress on the front axle components. The most pressing items requiring buyer attention are the front braking system and the front suspension geometry. The advisories in 2023, 2024 and January 2026 all touched on front brake pads, front brake discs, and front suspension arm and steering linkage ball joints, and the July 2026 failure confirmed that disc wear had progressed to a Dangerous level. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn lower arm ball joints or bushes, and pay attention to any vibration or shudder through the brake pedal under firm stopping, suggesting the replacement discs are already warped or the calipers are not retracting cleanly. The steering should be checked for looseness or rattle on full lock, as the recorded slight play in the inner track rod ball joint is a known wear point on Clios of this generation and typically progresses steadily. Beyond the documented advisories, the low mileage profile means several age related items warrant physical inspection regardless of what the MOT record shows. Tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing or cracking even if the tread depth appears adequate, as a tyre fitted at low mileage can degrade structurally well before the legal tread limit is reached. The 12 volt battery, brake fluid, coolant and gearbox or clutch fluid should all be confirmed as recently serviced, as these degrade with calendar age rather than mileage. The brake calipers, rear drums or discs, and handbrake mechanism should be checked for seizing caused by prolonged standing, and the underside of the vehicle and wheel arches inspected for the early onset of surface corrosion, which is common on Renaults of this era. Finally, request evidence of recent replacement of the front brake discs, pads, lower suspension arms and both track rod ends to confirm the Dangerous and advisory items from the MOT history have been addressed with quality components rather than the minimum required to pass a retest.