2016 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · SD16 RHO

The most recent DVSA examination on 16 January 2026 resulted in a Pass with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating that the vehicle was deemed roadworthy on that date. However, the history should not be viewed in isolation, as a separate test on the same day identified a Prescriptive failure for an inoperative nearside stop lamp, a relatively minor electrical issue that is likely to have been rectified immediately to secure the pass. Looking at the broader trend, the maintenance pattern is mixed. The 2024 test contained a series of Major defects relating to headlamp aim, parking brake operation, and the supplementary restraint system warning lamp, suggesting a period of either deferred maintenance or electrical concerns. By 2025, the vehicle passed with only minor and advisory items, and the 2026 result is clean, which together indicate that the mechanical condition has stabilised following those earlier issues. The recurring appearance of the supplementary restraint system warning lamp in both 2022 and 2024 is, however, worth scrutinising carefully, as intermittent airbag warning faults can be indicative of deeper wiring, sensor, or ECU concerns rather than straightforward bulb or connector faults. With a recorded mileage of 107,570 over a ten-year span, this Clio is averaging approximately 10,757 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and segment. The mileage progression between tests appears consistent and without any prolonged gaps that would suggest extended periods of standing, which is positive from the perspective of avoiding the corrosion and component seizure issues commonly associated with low-use cars. Conversely, this is firmly high-mileage territory for a supermini, and consumable wear items such as clutches, braking components, suspension bushes, and drivetrain mountings will have been subjected to substantial cumulative wear. Prospective buyers should anticipate that some of these items may now be approaching the latter stages of their service life even where no MOT advisories are currently recorded. The advisory issued in January 2025 for a slightly damaged or perished offside rear tyre and the minor deterioration noted on the offside front CV joint boot warrant direct physical inspection. Tyre sidewall perishing on a ten-year-old car is a known age-related phenomenon caused by UV exposure and ozone degradation, and any cracking visible on the sidewalls should be evaluated against the tyre's manufacturing date and remaining tread depth. A perished CV boot, if left unremediated, will allow contamination ingress and grease loss, leading to rapid joint failure typically heralded by a clicking or knocking noise on full lock during low-speed manoeuvres. The anti-roll bar linkage ball joint play noted on the nearside front is a common wear point on Clios and can manifest as a clonking or rattling over uneven road surfaces, particularly at low speed over speed humps. It is advisable to have the suspension geometry and tyre wear patterns checked for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which would confirm whether a renewal is imminent. Given the supplementary restraint system warning lamp appearing on more than one occasion, it is prudent to confirm whether any diagnostic work has been carried out to extract and clear stored fault codes, and whether the vehicle has any outstanding manufacturer recalls or technical service actions relating to the airbag or seatbelt system. The headlamp aim defects from 2024, whilst likely resolved at the time, should prompt a brief functional check of all exterior lighting and a visual confirmation that the headlamp reflectors and lens surfaces are not excessively oxidised, as poor output can also fail an MOT beam image test. Beyond the documented history, the car should be inspected for general age-related items including brake disc corrosion and potential caliper binding from standing, 12V battery health given frequent short-trip urban use, and confirmation that brake fluid and coolant have been replaced on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage. A thorough road test covering full-lock manoeuvres, sharp bump absorption, and firm braking from around 40 mph should help reveal any residual suspension clonks, brake shudder, or drivetrain vibration before purchase.