2004 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · SE04 AYA

The vehicle's roadworthiness status is poor, with the maintenance trend showing significant worsening in recent years. The most recent test on 20 April 2024 at 176,695 miles resulted in a failure involving a high volume of serious defects. This latest inspection flagged critical issues including excessively fluctuating front service brakes, an inoperative supplementary restraint system, and severe corrosion on multiple brake pipes and hoses. The presence of mismatched tyre aspect ratios on the same axle and a failing steering rack inner joint indicates a lack of attention to basic safety and mechanical standards. The mileage pattern is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 8,000 miles per year. The records show steady accumulation from 102,627 miles in September 2013 to 176,695 miles in April 2024. While the usage is typical, the mechanical condition has deteriorated significantly as the mileage increased. There is a notable shift from relatively clean records in 2015 and 2016 to a pattern of frequent failures and recurring advisories from 2017 onwards, suggesting that the vehicle has moved from a well-maintained state into a period of neglect. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system and chassis. The history shows a chronic and worsening issue with brake pipe corrosion, which progressed from minor corrosion in 2022 to excessive corrosion on both front and rear pipes and hoses by 2024. The tester also identified corrosion on the Macpherson struts, which warrants a close examination of the structural integrity of the suspension mounting points. Furthermore, the recurring failures regarding headlamp defects, seat belt functionality, and the SRS warning lamp suggest that electrical and safety systems may not be reliable. Beyond the brakes, the suspension and steering require immediate scrutiny. The 2024 failure noted play in the steering rack inner joints and follows a history of worn anti-roll bar bushes and ball joint play. The previous reports of oil leaks and broken coil springs also indicate that the drivetrain and suspension components are reaching the end of their service life. Given the recent failure on such a wide range of safety-critical items, the vehicle appears to have been subject to reactive rather than preventative maintenance.