2019 Renault Clio Iconic TCE 1.0L Petrol · YA69 EYY

This 2019 Renault Clio Iconic TCE presents a roadworthiness profile defined by a predominantly unblemished test history interrupted by a single failure event in December 2023. Across five recorded MOT tests spanning 2022 to 2025, four passed with no defects recorded whatsoever, with the most recent pass on 22 December 2025 confirming continuing compliance with statutory standards. The 2023 failure, however, warrants careful scrutiny from any prospective buyer. The major defects recorded on 15 December 2023 involved an inoperative or malfunctioning engine management indicator lamp, a nearside front tyre with a cut deep enough to expose the ply or cords, and a nearside front fog lamp that was obviously incorrectly positioned. These were accompanied by advisories noting a cut on the offside rear tyre not reaching the ply and slight tread damage to the offside front tyre. The combination of an illuminated MIL alongside tyre integrity issues suggests a vehicle that may have been subject to a period of compromised maintenance or delayed repair, though it is equally consistent with a one-off lapse that was subsequently rectified, as the vehicle passed its next two tests without further defects. With 26,053 miles recorded over approximately seven years, this Clio has covered a notably low annual mileage of roughly 3,722 miles. This rate of accumulation is substantially below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age and indicates a usage pattern weighted towards shorter journeys rather than sustained motorway use. Mechanically, such low mileage carries specific considerations: brake discs and pads may exhibit surface corrosion from infrequent use, leading to binding calipers or judder under initial braking; the exhaust system may show internal corrosion from condensation accumulation during short cold starts; and ageing rubber components such as suspension bushes, drive belts, and coolant hoses can deteriorate through disuse as readily as through wear. The annual testing cycle has remained consistent without any multi-year lay-up periods, which is favourable, though the low mileage itself remains a factor to weigh when interpreting the otherwise clean record. Given the specific defects flagged in 2023, the test drive should include deliberate checks in the corresponding areas. For the engine management lamp, verify that the MIL illuminates on ignition and extinguishes promptly once the engine is running, and observe whether any warning lights reappear during the drive. Listen for irregular idle, hesitation under throttle, or any reduction in engine responsiveness, as persistent MIL illumination can indicate issues ranging from sensor faults to catalytic converter inefficiency or evaporative system leaks. For the tyres, conduct a close visual check of the nearside front and offside rear for any sidewall damage, bulges, or cuts, and confirm that the tread depth exceeds the legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width. The nearside front fog lamp positioning should be verified against the manufacturer's specification to confirm it is correctly aligned and functional. Finally, attention should be given to components that historically affect this model and generation. Listen for knocking or rattling from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which can indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or strut top mount bearings. Under braking, check for any pulling to one side, vibration through the steering wheel, or grinding noises that would suggest corroded or worn discs and pads, particularly relevant given the low annual mileage. Inspect the underside for any signs of fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, or power steering, and examine exhaust mounting integrity. A thorough inspection on a ramp or over a pit is advisable given the combination of low mileage and the previous failure, as standing use can mask developing issues that only become apparent under load or when components are visually examined from below.