2016 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · SD16 NFL

A clean and stable MOT roadworthiness record defines this 2016 Renault Clio, with the most recent test on 7 December 2025 returning a pass and no advisories recorded. Notably, the vehicle passed an MOT just three weeks prior to a failure on 16 November 2025, where no specific defects were entered against the test, suggesting an administrative or technical issue such as a missing component, emissions readiness, or an item addressed immediately between the two visits rather than a substantive mechanical fault. Across the recorded history spanning 2023 through 2025, the car has alternated between pass and fail outcomes without any specific advisories logged, which means there is no documented pattern of wear-related deterioration, corrosion, or component degradation flagged by the DVSA tester. This clean advisory history points to a vehicle that, on paper, has not exhibited chronic issues with suspension, braking, or structural integrity. The recorded mileage of 109,084 miles on a ten-year-old car equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 10,908 miles, which sits comfortably within typical usage parameters for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, and the regular annual or near-annual testing intervals indicate continuous use. This steady, moderate rate of accumulation is mechanically favourable, as it implies even wear across consumables and drivetrain components without the extreme stress of high-mileage motorway use or the contrary risks associated with very low annual mileage, such as dried seals, corroded brake components, and degraded fluids. The consistent testing pattern and mileage progression suggest a car that has remained in regular service throughout its life, which generally supports the integrity of internal combustion components, lubricants, and rotating assemblies. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories means there is no specific component history to investigate, but the November 2025 failure warrants direct questioning of the seller to confirm what was rectified between the 16 November fail and the 7 December pass. Common failure items on Renault Clios of this generation that do not always receive advisory notes include coil pack degradation, lambda sensor faults, and tyre condition, so confirming the reason for that single failure is worthwhile. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be paid to the rear suspension beam, which is a known weakness on Clio IV models and can develop corrosion or bush wear that affects tracking and stability. Check for uneven rear tyre wear, which often indicates beam or bush issues, and listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over speed humps and uneven road surfaces. Front suspension components, particularly the wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, should also be examined for splitting or play, as these wear gradually on higher-mileage examples and can produce a knocking or creaking sensation over bumps. Under braking, the car should pull evenly and the pedal should feel firm without excessive travel or sponginess; any judder under light pedal pressure may indicate warped front discs, a common consumable issue at this mileage. On the test drive, monitor for any warning lights on the dashboard, particularly the engine management light, and observe whether the steering remains centred without pulling to either side, which could suggest alignment or front suspension wear. Listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start, as the 0.9-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines fitted to this generation Clio can develop tensioner wear beyond 80,000 miles. Finally, inspect the underside for any signs of fluid leaks from the engine or gearbox, and confirm that the clutch operates smoothly without slipping under acceleration, given the moderate-high mileage this vehicle has accumulated.