2014 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · WN14 JBX

This 2014 Renault Clio presents a rather unusual MOT narrative, characterised by an absence of recorded advisory notes across its testing history but punctuated by two unexplained failures that were immediately followed by passes on the very next day or within months. The most recent test on 7 January 2026 recorded a clean pass with no defects, yet the day prior it failed without any defect being logged, and similarly on 17 May 2024 it failed only to pass later that same day. The complete absence of advisories throughout its history is atypical for a twelve-year-old vehicle and suggests either a pattern of items being rectified before re-test, administrative errors in data recording, or a vehicle that has had components replaced proactively rather than flagged. While the clean pass on 7 January 2026 indicates current roadworthiness, the clustered failure-pass sequence warrants scrutiny as it could indicate intermittent electrical faults, emissions irregularities, or testing station-specific anomalies that a buyer should investigate. With 106,301 miles accumulated over approximately twelve years, this Clio averages around 8,858 miles annually, which sits squarely within the typical range for its age cohort and indicates consistent rather than sporadic use. The mileage recorded on MOT certificates shows a steady progression without dramatic gaps or sudden jumps, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular service rather than experiencing extended periods off the road. This kind of consistent usage is mechanically beneficial as it prevents the issues associated with long-term standing, such as seized brakes, dried seals, and degraded tyres, while still presenting moderate wear on high-mileage consumables like clutch components, suspension bushes, and exhaust mounting rubbers that accumulate fatigue over time. For a prospective buyer, the lack of advisory history actually presents a challenge rather than a reassurance, as there are no specific component flags to guide a targeted inspection. Given that the failures left no recorded defects, it would be prudent to focus on the areas most prone to wear on a high-mileage Clio of this generation, particularly the rear brake drums and shoes, front brake discs and pads, and the suspension system including front wishbone bushes, drop links, and coil springs which are known weak points. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes or top mounts, and pay attention to any pulling to one side under braking which could suggest a binding caliper or warped front discs. The Clio's 1.2-litre engines and later 0.9 TCe units fitted around this period can develop oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing, so a thorough under-bonnet inspection looking for fresh oil residue and checking the oil level and condition is essential. Check for any exhaust drone or blowing sounds from the rear box and centre section, as exhaust system corrosion is common on Clios of this age, particularly around mounting points and the heat shield fixings. Finally, examine the tyres for uneven wear patterns, particularly inner-edge wear on the front tyres which can indicate worn suspension geometry components, and ensure the electronic systems function correctly including the trip computer, central locking, and any fitted infotainment unit, as intermittent electrical faults are the most plausible explanation for the unexplained failures in the MOT record.