2011 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · BV61 GME

The 2011 Renault Clio passed its most recent MOT on 1 April 2026 at 133,152 miles, but only after a failure on the same day exposed several serious defects. That initial failure flagged a fractured nearside front coil spring, excessively worn front suspension ball joints, and an offside front tyre with exposed cords. The car was repaired and passed the retest on the same date, which suggests the faults were addressed promptly. However, the pattern across the full record is one of recurring suspension deterioration rather than stable long-term upkeep. The coil spring issue has appeared repeatedly, and corrosion advisories have persisted, indicating a worsening trend in front-end structural integrity that a buyer must not overlook. The mileage progression tells a fairly consistent story. Between the October 2023 test at 96,061 miles and the November 2024 test at 117,314 miles, the car covered roughly 21,253 miles in just over twelve months, averaging close to 1,770 miles per month. That is a sharp increase compared to the earlier period and to the typical annual figure of around 8,877 miles implied by the car's age. The jump suggests heavier recent use, possibly longer commutes or motorway driving, which places additional stress on suspension and braking components already showing age-related wear. A buyer should focus a physical inspection on the front suspension in particular. The nearside front coil spring has been flagged for corrosion in November 2024 and then found fractured in April 2026, a clear sign of progressive metal fatigue. The offside front suspension arm ball joint has also moved from slight play in 2024 to excessive wear by the 2026 failure. Both sides of the front axle need close examination for cracked springs, worn bushes, and any play in track rod ends and anti-roll bar links. The rear suspension corrosion advisory first noted in October 2023 has never been formally resolved on record, so a thorough check underneath for rust, especially around spring mounts and trailing arms, is essential. Tyre condition is another recurring concern. Multiple tests have found tyres worn to the legal limit or with exposed cords, suggesting previous owners were running them to the minimum before replacement rather than maintaining safe tread depth proactively. The braking system also warrants attention, with a fluctuating service brake noted in 2023 and binding or uneven wear patterns implied by the tyre condition. Have a garage put the car on a lift, compress the suspension, and inspect all rubber bushes, dust covers, and structural mounting points before committing to purchase.