2012 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · SL12 CUH

The 2012 Renault Clio’s most recent MOT test on 10 December 2025—just seven months ago—confirmed full roadworthiness with no defects recorded at 152,052 miles. This marks the fifth consecutive pass since the February 2024 test, with no advisories or recurring failures. The absence of any major issues in the past year suggests the vehicle has been maintained at a basic level, though the lack of advisories does not preclude hidden wear. The most recent pass aligns with current DVSA standards, but the gap between tests (11,051 miles since December 2025) is approaching the upper limit of the three-year MOT cycle, which could indicate deferred servicing. Mileage progression reveals a steady but unremarkable pattern, averaging around 10,860 miles annually over the past four years. The largest jump occurred between the March 2023 tests, where the vehicle accumulated 18,300 miles in just nine months—suggesting either intensive use or a period of neglect before correction. No extended gaps in testing are evident, though the February 2024 test at 132,623 miles follows a 22,695-mile interval from the previous pass, which is unusually long for a vehicle of this age. This irregularity may imply inconsistent servicing or delayed MOT scheduling rather than a deliberate maintenance strategy. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of high-wear components not routinely checked in standard MOTs. Focus on the suspension—particularly the rear coil springs and bushes, which are prone to fatigue at this mileage—and verify for uneven tyre wear, which could signal alignment drift or worn steering rack components. The brakes, though never failed, should be disassembled to check for lateral run-out in discs, glazing on pads, or binding calipers, as these conditions often develop between MOT intervals. Additionally, inspect the subframe and wheel arches for corrosion, as the Clio’s underbody is susceptible to rust progression over 14 years, even with no MOT failures. The absence of advisories in recent tests does not rule out minor fluid leaks or worn consumables like wiper blades and brake fluid condition. A pre-purchase inspection should confirm the integrity of the exhaust system, particularly the catalytic converter and downstream pipes, as these are common failure points in Renaults of this era. While the vehicle has not exhibited a worsening trend, its maintenance history suggests it has likely been driven through basic MOT compliance rather than proactive servicing, warranting closer scrutiny of components beyond the MOT’s scope.