2011 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · DG11 AEB

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a recurring trend of suspension and exhaust failures. While the most recent test in January 2026 at 95,662 miles passed, it followed a failure just one day prior involving a nearside front anti-roll bar linkage and two broken coil springs. This suggests a pattern where components are only addressed immediately upon failure rather than being maintained through preventative care. The trend remains stable but reactive, with the car consistently requiring multiple mechanical repairs to pass the annual inspection. At 95,662 miles over 15 years, the Clio has averaged approximately 6,400 miles per year, which is consistent with low-mileage usage for its age. The mileage accumulation is steady, with a 6,000-mile gap noted between February 2025 and January 2026. However, the low annual mileage has not protected the vehicle from age-related degradation, as evidenced by the repeated failure of rubberized components and ball joints which appear prematurely despite the relatively low total distance travelled. A buyer must prioritise a thorough structural inspection of the front sub-frame, which was flagged as corroded and seriously weakened in June 2022. Although it has passed since then, structural rust on these vehicles is often progressive and requires close monitoring for thinning metal. The front suspension also shows a history of weakness, with arm ball joints and anti-roll bar links failing repeatedly across multiple years in 2023, 2025, and 2026. These components likely require another replacement soon. The braking system also warrants attention due to recorded instances of binding rear service brakes in 2025 and excessive parking brake movement in both 2022 and 2025. Furthermore, the exhaust system has suffered major leaks and poor lambda readings, suggesting the engine management or exhaust hardware may be deteriorating. An onsite inspection should verify that the recent exhaust repairs are effective and that the parking brake mechanism is properly adjusted to prevent future binding or failure.