2005 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · AV05 AAU

The 2005 Renault Clio shows a history of reactive maintenance typical of a low-mileage older vehicle. In the recent test on July 2025 at 52,677 miles, the car passed after failing just three days prior. The failure at 52,651 miles highlighted multiple issues including a worn nearside front tyre, an excessively worn suspension arm bush, and a deteriorated nearside front CV boot. While these were rectified to achieve the pass, the presence of a damaged nearside lower engine mounting and a worn offside front suspension bush indicates that components are beginning to suffer from age-related fatigue despite the low mileage. The vehicle has covered only 52,677 miles over 21 years, averaging just over 2,500 miles per year. This low usage often leads to the degradation of rubber components and dry seals rather than mechanical wear. This is evidenced by the persistent reports of a noisy nearside front wheel bearing spanning from 2021 to 2024, and the pitting on the front brake discs. The failure in July 2021 at 28,035 miles was particularly significant, revealing a fractured Macpherson strut and a broken coil spring, which suggests the vehicle may have encountered significant impact or suffered neglect during that period. The trend suggests that while the owner addresses faults when they cause MOT failures, preventative maintenance is inconsistent. The recurring issues with the CV boot and suspension bushes indicate that the front-end geometry and drivetrain protection are nearing the end of their life. A buyer should specifically inspect the engine mounts and the condition of the drive shaft joints, as these were flagged in the most recent advisories. While the car is currently roadworthy, the low mileage does not exempt it from the natural deterioration of perished rubber and seized components common in a vehicle of this age.