2013 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · SD13 KJF

This 2013 Renault Clio passed its most recent MOT on 31 January 2026 at 66,796 miles, but the record reveals a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than proactive care. The car failed the previous day, 30 January 2026, on the same mileage, after presenting worn front brake pads below the 1.5 mm minimum. That same test also flagged a worn and pitted front inner brake disc and a corroded nearside rear coil spring. The following day's pass indicates the pads were replaced and the disc and spring were deemed acceptable, suggesting reactive fixes rather than a thorough inspection. An oil leak, noted as not excessive, has persisted across multiple tests since at least February 2025 at 61,278 miles and remains unresolved. The mileage progression tells a clear story of very light use. Between 20 January 2023 at 38,841 miles and 1 February 2024 at 49,701 miles, the car covered roughly 10,860 miles in just over a year. Yet from 1 February 2024 to 4 February 2025, it added only 11,577 miles, and then effectively moved zero miles between the February 2025 test and the January 2026 tests. This plateau raises the possibility of extended periods of inactivity, which can accelerate corrosion in brake components, tyres, and suspension bushes due to lack of use. The recurring brake disc wear and pitting, noted at nearly every test since January 2023, points to a car driven gently but not always maintained promptly. Pitting on both front discs has been a persistent advisory for over three years, and the binding offside rear service brake flagged in January 2023 suggests caliper or slider pin issues that may have been only partially addressed. The corroded nearside rear coil spring, present at the latest test, is a structural concern that demands immediate attention. A corroded coil spring can snap without warning under load, compromising ride height and handling. Prospective buyers should scrutinise the underside for corrosion beyond what the MOT surface descriptions reveal, particularly around suspension mounting points, subframes, and brake line unions. The persistent oil leak, while currently minor, warrants a thorough inspection to identify its source, whether that is a failing camshaft seal, rocker cover gasket, or crankshaft oil seal. Tyre condition has been flagged repeatedly, with cracking and perishing noted on the rear pair in February 2025, suggesting the rubber may have aged beyond safe limits if the car has been standing. A test drive should assess brake feel for pulsation from the pitted discs and listen for rear suspension knocks that could indicate deteriorated bushes or a fatigued spring.