2012 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · SY12 XFM
2012 Renault Clio (1.1L, petrol). First registered 01 Jun 2012. Recorded mileage 78,522 miles. MOT valid until 07 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- RENAULT CLIO
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Inverness
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 07 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Feb 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 78,522 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
SY12 XFM Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 07/07/2026
- 78,522 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SY12 XFM MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Renault Clio (SY12 XFM) between June 2023 and July 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 07 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak back box (8.2.1.1 (b))”; “Brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened both front (1.1.14 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
SY12 XFM Mileage History
- 28/06/202359,501 mi
- 20/06/202467,628 mi+8,127 mi
- 17/06/202571,344 mi+3,716 mi
- 17/06/202571,346 mi+2 mi
- 07/07/202678,522 mi+7,176 mi
Average of roughly 6,288 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for Renault Clio Mk3
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2012 Renault Clio offers reasonable value but requires careful inspection due to recent MOT failures. The 2025 MOT revealed multiple issues, though the 2026 test shows improvement.
Prioritise checking the brake discs for thinning or warping, as the 2025 MOT highlighted serious weakening. Inspect front tyres for edge wear and consider replacement if near legal limits. Verify the exhaust system for leaks, particularly the back box, and assess the nearside front anti-roll bar joint for play. Review service records to confirm regular maintenance, especially for suspension components like the offside front coil spring mentioned in 2023. Negotiate based on the 2025 failure history and potential repair costs.
A 1.149cc petrol engine typically offers decent fuel economy, with estimates around 50-60 mpg for the Clio. Tax would be £145 annually (2017-2022 tax rules for cars over 107g/km CO2). Insurance groups for 1.2L petrol engines usually fall in 10-15, costing £600-£1,000 annually. Maintenance costs may rise due to the 2025 failures, with brake discs and exhaust repairs potentially costing £200-£400. Estimated annual running cost: £800-£1,200.
Focus on the front brake discs for thinning or warping, as they were 'seriously weakened' in 2025. Check front tyres for edge wear and ensure they meet legal limits. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, particularly the back box, and test the Lambda sensor response. Examine the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint for excessive play. Confirm the offside front coil spring shows no further corrosion beyond the 2023 report. Check for dashboard warning lights related to emissions or braking systems.
The vehicle has a mixed MOT history with notable issues including tyre wear, brake disc weaknesses, and exhaust problems. At 78,522 miles, the mileage is slightly above average for its age, but the recent MOT pass suggests potential for reliability if maintenance gaps are addressed.
No aggregate data available for Renault Clio models, but common issues for 2012-2015 examples include suspension component wear and exhaust system corrosion.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (SY12 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as SY12XFM.
KYMCO
AGILITY CITY 50
PEUGEOT
PARTNER
PEUGEOT
BIPPER
KYMCO
PULSAR LX 125
PEUGEOT
207
PEUGEOT
BIPPER
PEUGEOT
207
PEUGEOT
207
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
KEEWAY
TX 50
ISUZU
RODEO
PULSE
XF 125 GY-2B ADRENALINE
RENAULT CLIO Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2012 model year cars.
- Wiper linkage seizureModerate
The wiper linkage pivots seize through corrosion and lack of lubrication, overloading the motor and eventually leaving the wipers painfully slow or completely inoperative.
- Front coil spring snappingModerate
A classic UK Renault MOT issue. The bottom coil can corrode and snap, sometimes unnoticed until an MOT or until it damages a tyre.
- Key-card and UCH electrical faultsModerate
The key card itself and the associated body-control electronics can cause intermittent unlocking, non-starts and random electrical quirks.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.