2014 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · SW14 ECN

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance profile characterized by a trend of reactive rather than proactive care. While it passed its most recent test in February 2026 at 128,643 miles, this followed a catastrophic failure in late 2024. The overall roadworthiness is unstable, as the car recently suffered from multiple critical failures across the suspension, braking, and lighting systems. The presence of recurring issues suggests that the previous owner has only addressed defects when forced by an MOT failure, rather than performing routine servicing or preventative inspections. At 128,643 miles over 12 years, the Clio averages approximately 10,700 miles per year, which is consistent with typical UK usage for a small hatchback. However, the data shows a significant surge in activity between September 2023 at 107,082 miles and December 2024 at 124,986 miles, covering nearly 18,000 miles in just 15 months. This period of heavy use coincides with the most severe mechanical degradations recorded in the history, suggesting the components were under significant stress during this interval. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry. The 2024 failure highlighted systemic issues including a loose suspension arm ball joint, track rod end play, and leaking shock absorbers. Even though these were supposedly rectified, the underlying quality of the repair remains unverified. Furthermore, the February 2026 advisory regarding a corroded brake pipe over the rear axle covered in grease is a red flag; grease is often used to mask structural corrosion from an inspector, which can lead to sudden hydraulic failure under pressure. The braking system requires close scrutiny. The record shows a history of lagging rear brakes, an inoperative parking brake, and abnormal brake lever movement. These faults, combined with the recent discovery of corroded piping, indicate that the calipers and cylinders may be poorly maintained. The 2024 failure to complete emissions tests due to oil condition also suggests inconsistent oil change intervals, which may have caused internal engine wear beyond what mileage suggests. This vehicle represents a high-risk purchase due to the clear pattern of mechanical neglect in critical components.