2013 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · SL13 PFX

The most recent DVSA test on this 2013 Renault Clio took place on 17 June 2025 and resulted in a pass, although four advisories were recorded, and it is worth noting that the car had failed just one day earlier on 16 June 2025 before the necessary exhaust repairs were carried out. The overall maintenance trend across the documented history is a cause for concern rather than reassurance. Repeated brake pipe corrosion advisories have appeared in 2021, 2022, and 2025, escalating into major failures in June 2024 when both rear and offside front brake pipes were deemed excessively corroded, which is a structural deterioration that warrants close attention on a vehicle now thirteen years old. The front brake discs were flagged as worn, pitted, and scored in the latest test, and a fluctuating nearside front service brake suggests uneven caliper or pad wear. Steering linkage ball joint play was a major failure in 2024, an anti-roll bar droplink showed play in 2023, and a suspension arm ball joint had slight play in 2021, collectively indicating progressive degradation of the front suspension and steering components. Exhaust integrity has also been an issue, with a major leak at the middle and rear silencers in 2025 along with an out-of-specification lambda reading, suggesting either a failing sensor or running concerns from leaks drawing in air. Recorded mileage stands at 120,670 miles across approximately thirteen years of use, equating to an annual average of around 9,282 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and segment. There are no conspicuous gaps in the MOT record that would suggest prolonged standing, and the mileage progression between tests is consistent with regular driving. The implication of this kind of usage on a thirteen year old Clio is moderate wear on consumables and a steady accumulation of corrosion on underbody components such as the brake lines already flagged, as well as normal fatigue on suspension bushes, engine mountings, clutch, and dual mass flywheel components on manual variants. The fluid services, including brake fluid, coolant, and gearbox oil, should have been replaced on a calendar basis as well as mileage, given that brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades regardless of use. Given the recurring brake pipe corrosion and the advisories on brake disc condition, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough physical inspection underneath the vehicle, ideally on a ramp, looking for surface rust, deep pitting, or flaking along the full length of all four brake lines, the fuel lines, and the rear axle and suspension components. On a test drive, listen for any clonking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which would indicate worn ball joints, droplinks, or anti-roll bar bushes consistent with the advisories on record. The brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive without any sponginess, and the car should pull up in a straight line without pulling to one side, which would confirm or refute the fluctuating brake advisory. The steering should respond precisely without any knocking or slack, and any vibration through the steering wheel at speed could indicate warped front brake discs. Beyond the recorded advisories, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants several age-appropriate checks before purchase. Tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking and perishing, as rubber degrades with time even when tread depth remains adequate, and the spare wheel should be checked for the same. The exhaust system beyond what was repaired should be examined for further corrosion at the manifold, catalytic converter, and mounting rubbers, particularly as a failing lambda sensor and exhaust leak were recent issues. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as thirteen years of service typically exceeds its expected life. Engine oil and coolant levels and condition should be checked on a cold engine, with particular attention to the oil leak advisory and the coolant leak noted in 2023, as even minor leaks can develop into significant failures. Finally, verify the service book stamps for regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals, ensure the timing belt and water pump replacement interval is documented if applicable to this engine, and confirm that the CV boot which split in 2022 has been properly replaced with no grease contamination on the surrounding suspension components.