2018 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · SH68 GHG

A pattern of tyre-related failures and a fractured front coil spring dominate the recorded MOT history of this 2018 Renault Clio, making the wheels and front suspension the principal mechanical concerns rather than the powertrain. Across the 2024 and 2026 tests the nearside front tyre was rejected on two separate occasions, first as a Dangerous defect with exposed ply and cords on a 205/45/17 fitment and more recently with a cut deep enough to reach the cords, while the nearside rear also showed cracking and perishing. The 2025 test recorded a fractured nearside front coil spring, a component-level failure that is not typically associated with a vehicle of this age and mileage and which warrants close inspection of the remaining springs and the strut top mounts for any signs of corrosion or seating damage. The 2026 test ultimately passed but carried an advisory for a slightly distorted nearside rear road wheel, and the most recent pass was achieved only after a same-day failure, which suggests the tyre and wheel issues were addressed reactively rather than prevented through routine maintenance. The recorded mileage of 38,134 miles over eight years equates to roughly 4,767 miles annually, which is notably low for the vehicle's age and points to either light regular use or extended periods of inactivity. The MOT testing pattern from 2022 onwards shows annual tests in consecutive years with no significant gaps, indicating the car has been kept on the road, yet the low annual accumulation means the engine, transmission, and clutch have seen relatively modest working hours. Light use of this nature can produce its own wear characteristics, particularly surface corrosion on brake discs from infrequent heavy braking, stiffening or cracking in suspension bushes and gaiters from underuse, and potential flat spots or uneven wear in tyres that have stood for long intervals, all of which are consistent with the brake disc corrosion advisory noted in 2023 and the tyre deterioration flagged since. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priorities on inspection are the tyres, wheels, and front suspension components that the MOT history has flagged. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn strut top bearings, droplinks, or anti-roll bar bushes alongside the replaced coil spring. Check that the vehicle tracks straight under braking and that the steering does not pull, as a distorted nearside rear wheel can induce vibration through the pedals and steering wheel, particularly at higher speeds, even if the distortion is currently slight. Inspect all four tyres in person for cracking in the sidewalls, bulges, and uneven tread wear, paying particular attention to the nearside pair given the recurring defects, and verify that the replacement tyres match the 205/45/17 specification recorded at the 2024 test. The brake system also merits a focused check given the persistent low-mileage usage pattern. The 2023 advisory for nearside front inner brake disc corrosion warrants a physical inspection of all discs for excessive lipping, pitting, or rust scoring that could compromise braking feel or disc life, and a test drive should include a firm brake application from speed to confirm there is no judder or pulsing through the steering wheel. With the engine running, listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start, a known concern on later Clio petrol units, and confirm that there are no warning lights illuminated on the仪表 display. Finally, examine the underside of the vehicle on a ramp if possible, looking for any signs of fluid weeping from the shock absorber bodies where the coil spring was replaced, and check the rear wheel arch and underbody for corrosion given the structural integrity requirements applied during MOT testing.