2008 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · MA08 AAV

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive repairs rather than proactive servicing. In the most recent test in March 2024 at 99,422 miles, the car passed after failing on an offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. While it passed, the tester flagged significant pitting on front brake discs and thin pads, alongside surface corrosion on both rear shock absorbers. This suggests that components are only being addressed once they reach a point of failure or near-failure thresholds. At 99,422 miles, this eighteen-year-old Renault shows exceptionally low mileage, averaging roughly 5,500 miles per year. The data indicates consistent low-term usage, with for example, only 6,547 miles covered between March 2022 (89,875 miles) and March 2024 (99,422 miles). However, low mileage on older vehicles often correlates with the degradation of rubber-based components and seals, such as the ball joints and bushings which can perish or become brittle over time regardless of use. A buyer must conduct a close physical inspection of the suspension geometry, as the record shows a recurring history of worn ball joints, track rod ends, and anti-roll bar linkages across 2015, 2019, and 2024. The fractured coil springs noted in 2021 further indicate that the suspension assembly may be under stress. Particular attention should also be paid to the front braking system, as the pitting and scoring reported in 2024 indicate the discs have likely suffered from corrosion due to long periods of inactivity, which will affect braking performance and pad life.