2019 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · SW19 NWD

The 2019 Renault Clio presents a mixed mechanical picture. Its most recent MOT, conducted on 18 May 2026 at 33,349 miles, resulted in a pass, but only after a failure on the same day revealed serious corrosion across the braking system. The maintenance trend is concerning. While the car has been kept on the road, the recurring nature of the faults, particularly the brake pipe corrosion, suggests a pattern of reactive rather than preventative maintenance. The fact that it required a retest to pass indicates the initial condition was not acceptable. The vehicle's recorded mileage of 33,349 miles over approximately seven years is notably low, averaging just under 4,800 miles annually. This light usage pattern is a double-edged sword. While it implies less wear on major mechanical components, the long periods of inactivity are a likely contributor to the primary fault observed: corrosion. The MOT history shows a clean pass in May 2024 at 25,030 miles, followed by a jump to 28,994 miles by May 2025, and then a further increase to 33,349 miles by May 2026. This indicates a recent and significant increase in usage after a period of very light driving, which can exacerbate issues like seized components and moisture-related corrosion in systems that are not regularly exercised. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle's braking system. The May 2026 failure specifically cited excessively corroded brake pipes on both the nearside and offside rear, as well as the offside front. Although these were rectified for the subsequent pass, the underlying cause, likely moisture ingress and lack of fluid changes, remains a question. The offside rear brake was also flagged as binding, a condition that causes uneven wear and overheating. The front brake discs were noted as worn, and the braking system was reported as imbalanced, with the offside rear being slow. This points to a system that has been neglected and may require further work, including a full inspection of calipers, hoses, and a complete brake fluid flush. Beyond the brakes, the suspension demands attention. In May 2025, the car failed its MOT due to a fractured or broken offside rear coil spring. This is a critical structural component, and its failure suggests the car may have suffered impact damage or metal fatigue. The advisory for a cut in the offside front tyre, noted in the most recent test, is a minor but important item to monitor. The combination of a broken spring and corroded brake lines on the rear offside corner is a red flag for that area of the vehicle, warranting a close physical inspection for accident damage or severe corrosion to the subframe and mounting points.