2009 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · BF59 EDL

The 2009 Renault Clio holds a valid MOT following its most recent test on 17 February 2025 at 91,251 miles. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but reveals a recurring suspension wear issue that demands attention. The tester flagged the rear sub-frame as corroded but not seriously weakened in both the February 2024 and February 2025 tests, indicating surface corrosion is present without yet compromising structural integrity. Front track rod end wear has been a persistent advisory since February 2023, with both nearside and offside joints showing play across multiple tests. The February 2025 failure for excessive play on both front outer track rod ends was rectified within three days, suggesting the previous owner addressed the immediate failure but allowed the underlying wear to develop gradually over several years. The recorded mileage of 91,251 miles over approximately 17 years averages roughly 5,368 miles per year, which is notably low for its age. The MOT history shows a significant gap between February 2023 at 77,458 miles and February 2024 at 86,415 miles, representing an accumulation of 8,957 miles in a single year. Mileage then plateaued, with only 6 miles recorded between the February 2024 and February 2025 tests, suggesting the vehicle saw minimal use or possibly stood idle for extended periods during that timeframe. This pattern of intermittent use can accelerate corrosion on exhaust components, brake discs, and sub-frames due to lack of regular heat cycling and movement. A prospective buyer should inspect the front suspension closely, paying particular attention to the track rod ends and associated inner tie rods, as the recurring advisories point to a component that wears progressively and affects steering precision. The rear sub-frame corrosion noted in consecutive MOTs warrants an underside inspection to assess whether the corrosion is superficial or progressing toward structural weakening. Brake components, including discs, pads, and calipers, should be examined for uneven wear or binding given the vehicle's extended periods of inactivity. Tyre condition and age also deserve scrutiny, as low-mileage vehicles often develop flat spots or sidewall deterioration from prolonged standing rather than tread wear from use.