2013 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · WG62 CVO

The 2013 Renault Clio presents a mixed roadworthiness picture marked by two serious motor failures in early 2023 followed by a clean recent MOT result on 2026-02-25. The January 2023 failure involved both front and rear coil springs fracturing or breaking (5.3.1 (b) (i)), accompanied by a faulty rear fog lamp and a cracked front tyre, while the February 2023 failure added another front coil spring break and a direction indicator displaying an incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a)). Despite these setbacks, the vehicle achieved its latest MOT on 2026-02-25 with no defects recorded, indicating the repairs were adequate and the engine compartment remained free of issues. The overall trajectory suggests a vehicle that experienced intermittent critical failures in late 2023 but has since stabilised, though the nature of those failures warrants attention given their severity. At 74,393 miles for a model year 2013, the Clio accumulates approximately 5,723 miles annually—a rate considerably lower than typical daily driving expectations for a thirteen-year-old vehicle. This unusually modest mileage profile, combined with the gap between the 2023 failures and the 2026 passing test, implies the car may have spent significant time idle or driven only occasionally between services. While such low usage would normally reduce wear on suspension bushings, brake components, and drivetrain elements, the presence of persistent tyre damage and brake pad thinning from earlier years indicates that the previous maintenance cycle addressed only surface-level issues. The lack of major failures since early 2023 contrasts sharply with the two consecutive failed assessments, making the current clean status somewhat reassuring but not necessarily indicative of ongoing reliability. The most pressing mechanical concern identified in the recent MOT history is the front upper anti-roll bar linkage whose ball joint dust cover became contaminated enough to allow dirt ingress (5.3.4 (b) (ii)) on 2026-02-19. During a test drive, pay close attention to how the front wheels move through corners—you should feel neither excessive play nor a clunking sensation as the suspension compresses and extends. If the steering exhibits noticeable looseness at speed or the car feels "nose-diving" during sharp turns, the contaminated linkage could be contributing to poor handling. Additionally, the same test date highlighted a failing front upper anti-roll bar assembly that may require reconditioning or replacement if the original part was not fully replaced. Other components requiring scrutiny stem from the 2023 failures and the 2021 advices. The front brake pads were reported as worn thin in October 2021 (1.1.13 (a) (ii)), so on a test drive listen for any grinding or squealing under load, particularly when decelerating or navigating steep descents—the pads may still be producing heat even if they appear thin. The nearside rear tyre was noted in March 2023 as worn close to legal limits and potentially edge-worn (5.2.3 (e)), meaning uneven wear patterns should be checked during your inspection; if one side of the tyre is significantly shorter than the other, this points to alignment or camber issues that may need correction. Finally, the rear fog lamp failure from March 2023 (4.5.1 (a) (ii)) is unlikely to affect roadworthiness but does represent a safety advisory that should be resolved before purchase.