2014 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · SY14 XNZ

The 2014 Renault Clio’s most recent MOT, conducted on 12 December 2025 at 91,282 miles, passed without any defects, indicating the vehicle currently meets the minimum roadworthiness standards. However, the preceding history reveals a pattern of recurring issues that, while not fatal, suggest inconsistent maintenance. The offside rear tyre was flagged for perishing in both 2022 and 2023, yet no further action was recorded beyond the advisory—this implies either delayed replacement or repeated neglect. The 2022 failure also highlighted an excessively binding rear brake and a severely worn suspension arm ball joint, both of which should have prompted immediate attention. That the vehicle passed clean in 2024 and 2025 does not negate these earlier concerns; rather, it suggests either partial rectification or a temporary masking of symptoms. The mileage progression shows a steady accumulation of approximately 7,600 miles annually, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps or abrupt jumps in distance between tests, though the 2022 failure and pass at nearly identical mileages (85,343) suggests either a retest or a brief period of limited use. The absence of a 2021 MOT record is notable, as this could indicate either a private sale without transfer or a period of non-use, though the subsequent consistent testing implies regular registration. The lack of excessive mileage—far below the 120,000-mile mark where more aggressive wear becomes probable—does not absolve the buyer of scrutiny, particularly given the historical faults. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the rear suspension components, particularly the offside suspension arm ball joints and bushings, as the 2022 failure explicitly cited excessive wear. The binding rear brake condition from the same test warrants verification of caliper function, disc thickness, and rotor alignment, as repeated binding can lead to uneven wear or hydraulic failure. The corroded brake pipes and grease contamination noted in 2023 should prompt inspection for rust penetration, fluid leaks, or improper sealing—these are critical for hydraulic integrity. The offside rear tyre’s repeated advisories for perishing or damage necessitate a visual check for uneven tread wear, sidewall cracking, or structural compromise, with immediate replacement recommended if any of these are present. While the vehicle has passed its last two MOTs without fail, the history underscores the need for due diligence on components that have shown persistent or unresolved issues.