2009 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · AV09 GPJ

The most recent DVSA test on 28 July 2026 recorded a failure, the vehicle being rejected on the basis of a cracked rear fog‑lamp lens which is classed as a major defect. Although the same date shows a pass with only advisory notes, the presence of the cracked fog‑lamp means the car is not legally roadworthy until that component is rectified. Over the preceding three years the MOT history has been a mixture of passes with advisory notes and outright failures, the pattern showing a gradual increase in the number and severity of defects – from simple tyre perishing and insufficient washer fluid to major tyre cuts, a faulty anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint dust cover and now a cracked fog‑lamp lens. The trend is therefore clearly worsening rather than stabilising. With a recorded 51,081 mi on a 2009 model the average annual distance is roughly 3,000 mi, far below the typical 7‑10 k mi per year for a vehicle of this age. Such low utilisation suggests long periods of inactivity, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because rubber, seals and batteries degrade with time even when not driven. The modest mileage does mean that wear items such as the engine, gearbox and drivetrain are likely to be in relatively good condition, but age‑related deterioration – especially of tyres, suspension bushings and fluid integrity – must be expected. The tyre condition is the most pressing concern. All four tyres have been flagged repeatedly for cracking, perishing and cuts, with at least one rear tyre already exceeding the depth‑to‑ply cut limit. A thorough visual inspection of the sidewalls for dry‑rot, bulges and tread depth below 1.6 mm is essential, and the safest course is to replace the entire set rather than rely on a mix of marginally serviceable tyres. The cracked rear fog‑lamp lens must be replaced before the car can be driven legally; check that the new unit seals correctly and that the rear lighting circuit functions without flicker. The front brake disc was noted as worn and pitted in 2022 and the front inner pads were already thin; examine the discs for scoring and measure pad thickness, listening for any shudder or pulsation under braking which would indicate the need for resurfacing or replacement. The anti‑roll‑bar linkage ball‑joint dust cover was reported as compromised in 2025 – inspect the bushings for corrosion, excessive play and ensure the bar is free of rattles when cornering. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, attention should also be paid to time‑based items. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery – a load test will reveal whether it can still hold charge, and inspect the terminals for corrosion. Examine the chassis and suspension for surface rust, especially around the wheel arches, suspension mounting points and under‑body, as standing periods accelerate corrosion. Confirm that the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended two‑year intervals; old fluids can become acidic and cause seal failure. Finally, request a complete service book to confirm that the timing belt (if fitted) has been replaced according to the manufacturer’s schedule, as age alone can warrant its renewal even with low kilometre readings.