2015 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · SC65 RGV

The most recent MOT, carried out on 1 November 2025, was recorded as a pass but it was accompanied by several advisories and a Part‑Relevant Safety (PRS) item. The advisories flag a slightly damaged off‑side rear tyre, corrosion on the rear brake pipe, and wear on the near‑side front inner suspension arm pin or bush. The PRS concerns a split or insecure constant‑velocity boot on the front drive‑shaft joint, which no longer fully protects the joint from dirt. Over the past five years the pattern has moved from occasional isolated advisories to a growing list of recurring corrosion, suspension wear and now a CV‑boot fault, indicating a maintenance trend that is gradually worsening rather than stabilising. With 63 862 mi on the clock after eleven years of life the vehicle averages roughly 5 800 mi per annum – well below the typical UK usage of 10‑12 000 mi per year. Such low annual mileage often points to long periods of inactivity or very gentle use, which can be a double‑edged sword. While the mechanical wear on high‑stress components such as the engine, gearbox and brakes may be less than on a higher‑mileage counterpart, age‑related degradation of rubber, seals and corrosion‑prone parts becomes more likely. The mileage record also shows no large spikes that would suggest sudden over‑use, so the primary concern is the effect of time rather than distance. A prospective buyer should give the tyres a thorough visual and tactile inspection. The off‑side rear tyre was noted as slightly cracked or perishing in the latest MOT; check the tread depth, sidewall integrity and look for dry‑rot, especially on the near‑side front tyre which was previously close to the legal limit. Any uneven wear may hint at mis‑aligned suspension or worn bushings. Examine the brake pipes – both rear and off‑side front – for surface corrosion, rust streaks or grease deposits; a corroded pipe can eventually develop a leak, leading to reduced braking efficiency. While on the brake system, test the pedal for a firm, consistent feel and listen for any shudder or pulsation that could indicate the near‑side rear service brake binding noted in 2024. The front drive‑shaft CV joint should be inspected for torn boot material, dried grease or foreign debris; during a low‑speed test drive listen for a clicking or whine when turning, which would signal impending joint failure. Given the vehicle’s age and modest mileage, also verify the condition of age‑sensitive items. Inspect the suspension arms, especially the near‑side front inner arm pin and the lower arm bushings, for excessive play or oil mist on the shock absorbers, both of which were flagged in recent advisories. The 2023 fracture of the near‑side front coil spring suggests that the spring may have been replaced; confirm its presence and condition, watching for any squeaks or bottoming out under load. Check the battery for sulphation and verify its cranking voltage, as prolonged storage can diminish capacity. Finally, ensure that all fluid reservoirs – brake fluid, engine oil, coolant and power‑steering – have been refreshed within the recommended service intervals, as time‑based degradation can lead to corrosion and reduced performance even on a low‑mileage car. A careful visual inspection combined with a measured test drive should reveal whether the remaining life of these components justifies the purchase price.