2016 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · SD16 XEM

The 2016 Renault Clio currently holds a valid MOT, having passed its most recent test on 19 March 2026 at 88,838 miles with zero defects recorded. That clean bill of health follows a failure just nine days earlier on 10 March 2026, where the tester flagged an excessively worn nearside front suspension arm ball joint. The fact that the defect was identified and rectified within the same month suggests the previous owner addressed the fault promptly rather than ignoring it. Looking further back, the record shows a pattern of recurring front-end wear issues, including ball joint failures on both sides and a deteriorated CV boot, but the latest pass indicates those items have now been attended to. The maintenance trend is therefore improving, with the most recent test presenting a fully compliant vehicle. The mileage progression tells a consistent story. Between March 2024 and March 2026, the car covered roughly 12,300 miles, or about 6,150 miles per year, which is on the lower side for a ten-year-old supermini. The recorded mileage of 88,838 at the March 2026 test aligns with the stated current figure, meaning the car has effectively stood still for the past three and a half months. That static period is worth noting, as prolonged sitting can cause brake disc surface corrosion and tyre flat-spotting, even if the mileage figure itself looks modest. Buyers should pay close attention to the front suspension and drivetrain components. The history shows repeated ball joint wear on both sides of the car, along with a previously split offside front CV boot that would have required replacement. These are not unusual on a Clio of this age, but their recurrence suggests the front end has lived a hard life, possibly involving speed bumps, potholes, or poor-quality replacement parts. A thorough inspection of the lower suspension arms, ball joints, and CV joint boots is advisable, checking for play, perishing, and any fresh grease splatter that might indicate a recently replaced boot hiding an already worn joint. The braking system also warrants scrutiny. Front brake discs were flagged as worn, pitted, or scored in both March 2024 tests, and while the car passed in 2026, there is no guarantee the discs were replaced rather than simply re-faced. Buyers should check for lipping, scoring, and thickness variation on the front discs and pads. The repeated tyre advisories, including exposed cords on both fronts at the 2024 failure, point to possible alignment or suspension geometry issues. A four-wheel alignment check and close inspection of inner tyre sidewalls and tread wear patterns would be prudent before committing to purchase.