2012 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · SD62 WTT

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend that appears to be worsening as mileage increases. While the March 2025 test at 105,603 miles resulted in a pass, the failure preceding it revealed significant mechanical neglect. The tester flagged multiple tyres below the legal 1.6mm limit, a fractured offside rear coil spring, and insufficient parking brake efficiency. The presence of a recurring exhaust gas leak and a persistent oil leak from the sump suggests that while the vehicle is being kept roadworthy through reactive repairs, underlying issues are not being comprehensively addressed. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 7,500 miles per year. The records show steady usage from 2015 through to 2025, with the most recent interval showing an increase of roughly 11,000 miles since the March 2024 test. This gradual progression indicates regular use rather than long periods of stagnation, which often helps prevent certain types of corrosion, though it does mean consumables like tyres and suspension components are subject to expected wear. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension and braking systems. The MOT history shows a pattern of recurring issues, including ball joint play in 2023 and various tyre failures across multiple years. The most recent failure involving a fractured coil spring and parking brake inefficiency indicates that the chassis and braking components require close scrutiny. The persistent oil leak from the sump, noted in both 2023 and 2025, should be investigated to determine if it is a simple gasket issue or a more significant seal failure. The exhaust system also requires attention due to the repeated mentions of minor gas leaks in 2022 and 2025. While these have not yet caused a total failure, the recurrence suggests the system is degrading. Given the history of worn brake pads and pitted discs in 2022, a physical check of the current braking hardware and the condition of the front inner pads is essential to ensure the vehicle meets current safety standards.