2018 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · SD18 KSV

The 2018 Renault Clio passed its most recent DVSA MOT test on 20 April 2026, although three advisories were issued at the same time. Looking at the broader test history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable, with passes recorded on most occasions and clear, identifiable reasons for the two intervening failures. However, there is a discernible pattern of front suspension and brake pipe corrosion concerns that have recurred across multiple tests, which warrants careful attention from any prospective purchaser despite the current pass status. With 39,274 miles recorded over approximately eight years, the vehicle has averaged around 4,900 miles per year, which is well below the typical annual mileage for a small family hatchback of this age. This low usage figure suggests either light running consisting mainly of short journeys, or significant periods of standing between uses. The mechanical implications of such a usage profile are important: brake discs and calipers may suffer from surface corrosion and binding due to lack of regular use, rubber components such as tyres, bushes and drive belts may perish from age rather than wear, and the 12V battery is more likely to be in a weakened state. Time-based degradation of brake fluid, coolant and engine oil is also a more significant factor than mileage-based servicing would normally indicate. The recurring advisories concerning brake pipe corrosion on both the offside rear and offside front, the latter noted at both the 2024 and 2026 tests, suggest ongoing deterioration of the underbody braking system, likely accelerated by age and standing exposure. Brake pipes coated in grease or oily material is a typical indicator that the underlying metal is corroding, and although the vehicle has passed the structural integrity requirements, this corrosion will progress over time and could lead to future failure or leaks. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any brake pedal sponginess, observe whether the vehicle pulls to one side under braking, and listen for any scraping or grinding sounds that might indicate seized calipers or worn pads. The fractured offside front coil spring identified at the 2025 failure has clearly been rectified, but fractured coil springs on small Renaults of this era are a known wear item, and a further inspection for any signs of sagging or uneven ride height is advisable. In addition to the recorded brake and suspension advisories, the inner edge wear noted on the nearside front tyre suggests possible misalignment of the front suspension geometry, which can also be linked to worn suspension bushes or ball joints. Given the low mileage and the earlier record of a worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, the buyer should thoroughly check all front suspension components for excessive play, listen for clunks or knocks over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, and verify wheel alignment is within tolerance. Equally important for a low-mileage, eight-year-old vehicle are checks that do not appear in the MOT record: inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking and perishing due to age, test the 12V battery under load, examine the exhaust system for rust and corrosion at joints and hangers, and confirm that the timing belt or cam belt has been replaced in accordance with Renault's recommended interval. Verify that all time-based fluid services have been carried out regardless of low odometer readings, and ensure the service book contains stamps matching the recorded mileage, as any gaps may indicate that the very low annual usage has masked the true mechanical wear profile of this Clio.