2004 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · SM04 RVC

The vehicle presents a concerning state of roadworthiness with a trend of mechanical neglect in its most recent history. While it passed the MOT in May 2022 at 90,367 miles, it had failed just one day prior due to multiple critical safety defects. The missing road wheel fixings on three wheels indicate a significant lack of basic pre-test checks. Given that the last recorded test was over four years ago, the vehicle is currently operating with an expired MOT and requires an immediate comprehensive inspection to ensure current safety. At 90,367 miles, the Clio shows low annual usage for its twenty-two years, averaging roughly 4,100 miles per year. However, a significant gap in data exists between July 2021 at 76,558 miles and the final test in May 2022, where it covered nearly 14,000 miles in under a year. This burst of activity after long periods of standing often explains the rapid degradation of rubber-based components and the appearance of corrosion on metal brake pipes noted in the record. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the steering and braking systems due to recurring faults. The tester flagged play in the steering rack inner joints and persistent corrosion on brake pipes, which first appeared far back in 2019. The offside rear brake pipe was covered in grease, which often masks hidden structural corrosion that requires physical cleaning to verify its integrity. Additionally, the oil leak noted in 2022 must be monitored to determine if it is a minor seal leak or a failing engine component that has worsened during the years of inactivity.