2016 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · SD16 XHL

The 2016 Renault Clio presents a solid roadworthiness status following its most recent MOT on 8 May 2026 at 46,102 miles, where it passed with zero defects. This clean result marks a notable improvement over the preceding years, indicating a resolving maintenance trend rather than a worsening one. The 2026 failure on 5 May at 46,085 miles flagged several minor issues including a split offside front CV boot, low coolant, and an incorrect headlamp aim, all of which appear to have been addressed before the retest just three days later. The trajectory from the 2025 failure, which involved worn front brake pads, scored front discs, and an excessively worn nearside front suspension ball joint, to the current clean bill of health suggests the previous owner invested in meaningful repairs rather than merely patching through annual tests. The mileage pattern tells a story of exceptionally low usage. Covering just 2,621 miles between the May 2025 test at 43,481 miles and the May 2026 test at 46,102 miles, the annual running dropped well below the already modest 4,610 miles-per-year lifetime average. The jump from 33,989 miles in May 2024 to 43,481 miles in May 2025 accounts for 9,492 miles in a single year, suggesting a period of heavier use before the current spell of light running began. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests spans exactly one year with no intermediate records, which is standard, but the sharp mileage increase in that window followed by a dramatic slowdown is worth noting when assessing component wear versus age-related deterioration. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and braking components during any in-person inspection. The 2025 failure identified a worn nearside front suspension arm ball joint alongside significantly worn front brake discs and pads below 1.5 mm, yet the subsequent clean pass in 2026 implies these parts were replaced rather than left to degrade further. It would be prudent to verify the condition of the front brake discs and pads visually, check for any play in the suspension ball joints, and confirm the CV boot on the offside front was properly replaced rather than simply noted and ignored. The 2024 advisory regarding perishing offside rear tyre rubber also warrants a check of the current tyre age and condition, as a decade-old vehicle may have tyres that appear serviceable in tread depth but are approaching or beyond their safe service life due to sidewall degradation.