2015 Renault Captur 0.9L Petrol · ST15 OLC

The most recent MOT, carried out on 19 March 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle currently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the preceding five‑year period the record shows a mixed picture: 2021 and 2022 were clean apart from tyre wear advisories, 2023 recorded dangerous brake‑pad wear and a severely worn front suspension arm ball joint, and 2024 added front tyre wear, anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint play and a major wiper fault. The fact that the 2025 and 2026 tests were both passed without any advisories suggests that the most serious issues identified in 2023‑2024 have been remedied, and the overall maintenance trend is now stabilising and improving. At 71,282 mi the Captur averages roughly 6,500 mi per year, which is typical for a vehicle of its age. The mileage does not indicate any periods of unusually high annual use that would accelerate wear of major drivetrain components, but the relatively modest total mileage also raises the possibility that the car has spent extended periods idle. Prolonged standing can lead to tyre rubber perishing, battery sulphation, and corrosion of brake discs and suspension bushings, so these age‑related factors should be examined even though the mileage itself is not excessive. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the front tyres and the anti‑roll‑bar ball joints that have been flagged repeatedly. Verify that the tread depth on both front tyres exceeds 3 mm and look for sidewall cracking or uneven wear that could signal mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushings. While on a short test drive listen for any clunk or knock from the front suspension when turning over bumps, and feel for any looseness in the steering that would indicate lingering ball‑joint play. The front brake discs were noted as pitted but not weakened in 2024; inspect the disc surface for deep scoring and measure the pad thickness to confirm it is comfortably above the 3 mm safety limit. Confirm that the wipers now clear the windscreen effectively and that there is no streaking, as a functional wiper is a safety requirement. If any of these items show deterioration, budget for tyre replacement, possible anti‑roll‑bar bushings or ball‑joint refurbishment, and a brake service that includes disc resurfacing or replacement and pad renewal. Given the vehicle’s age, also carry out the standard calendar‑based checks: examine the 12‑volt battery for voltage and cranking performance, as long periods of inactivity can reduce capacity; inspect the coolant, engine oil and brake fluid for signs of contamination or low levels, remembering that these fluids should be changed at least every two years regardless of mileage; look for corrosion on wheel bearings, suspension joints and under‑body panels, especially if the car has been stored outdoors; and verify that the service book contains regular oil changes and any major service stamps around the 60‑k mi mark. A thorough visual and auditory inspection, combined with a short road test, should reveal whether the previous MOT‑related faults have been fully resolved and whether the car remains a mechanically sound purchase.