2018 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · SH68 GZE

The most recent MOT inspection on 29 August 2025 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance trend is concerning as it follows a dangerous failure just one day prior. The recent history indicates a pattern of neglect regarding consumable items, particularly tyres and braking components. While the vehicle eventually passed, the transition from a dangerous failure involving multiple bald tyres and poor parking brake efficiency to a pass with a tyre advisory suggests that repairs were reactive rather than proactive. The recurring nature of tyre-related issues and previous advisories regarding brake disc condition and imbalance suggest that the vehicle has not been subject to a rigorous preventative maintenance schedule. With approximately 72,239 miles recorded over eight years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 9,030 miles per year. This is consistent with typical UK private usage and suggests the car has not been subjected to excessive motorway mileage or heavy commercial use. However, the mileage is high enough that wear and tear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain components should be expected. Because the usage is moderate, the mechanical issues identified in the MOT history are more likely linked to a lack of regular servicing and component oversight rather than high-mileage attrition. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the tyre and braking systems during a test drive. The recent failure for tread depth below 1.6mm on two tyres, combined with an advisory for an offside front inner tyre worn on the edge, strongly suggests an alignment or tracking issue. You should inspect the tyres for uneven wear patterns, which could indicate worn suspension components like ball joints or tie rod ends. During the test drive, listen for any clunking or knocking from the suspension and check for any steering pull. Furthermore, the previous failure regarding parking brake efficiency and the 2023 advisory regarding imbalanced front brakes mean you must test the handbrake firmly and check for any brake shudder or pulsation when applying the foot brake at speed, which could indicate warped or pitted discs. Beyond the recorded defects, the age of the vehicle necessitates a thorough inspection of rubber components and fluids. Given the 2024 advisory regarding tyre cracking and perishing, check the sidewalls of all tyres for any signs of age-related degradation or dry rot, even if the tread depth appears sufficient. You should also verify the service history to ensure that essential fluid changes, such as brake fluid and engine oil, have been performed according to the manufacturer's intervals rather than just when an MOT failure occurs. Check for any signs of corrosion on the underbody and ensure the 12V battery is holding a steady charge, as vehicles with moderate usage can sometimes suffer from battery degradation if they have spent periods stationary.