2009 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · CE59 XCM

The 2009 Renault Clio holds a current MOT valid from 7 May 2026 at 101,723 miles, having passed its retest on the same day after an initial failure. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but punctuated by recurring minor faults rather than progressive mechanical decline. The most recent failure was triggered by a non-functioning offside side repeater, excessive play in the nearside track rod end ball joint, and an SRS warning lamp indicating a fault. All three were rectified ahead of the same-day pass, suggesting targeted repairs rather than systemic neglect. Persistent advisories around front sub-frame corrosion and deteriorated number plates have appeared consistently since 2024, yet none have been deemed serious enough to fail the vehicle. Covering only 2,445 miles between the May 2025 and May 2026 tests, and 3,101 miles between April 2024 and May 2025, the annual mileage sits well below the typical UK average. This low-use pattern implies extended periods of standing, which can accelerate rubber perishing and localised corrosion. The nearside front tyre cracking noted in the May 2026 test supports this, as does the recurring advisory for slight play in the front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints. Low mileage does not necessarily equate to low wear, particularly on a 17-year-old supermini with age-related deterioration clearly visible in the suspension and sub-frame areas. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering geometry. The track rod end fault that caused the May 2026 failure was a repeat of the offside issue flagged in May 2025, so both inner and outer tie rods, along with the rack boots, need checking for play and oil contamination. The persistent advisory for corroded Macpherson struts and a corroded front sub-frame at the radiator support and rear axle mounting points warrants a close visual inspection with a torch, looking for flaking metal or fresh surface rust that could indicate accelerated decay since the last test. The SRS warning lamp that appeared in both 2025 and 2026 failures should be diagnosed with a fault code reader to rule out a persistent airbag or seatbelt pretensioner circuit fault rather than a simple intermittent glitch. Tyre condition and age are worth scrutinising. The nearside front tyre was flagged for cracking and outer edge wear at the most recent test, and the offside rear was noted as cracking in 2025, suggesting the rubber is ageing unevenly. Check the date codes on all four tyres and the spare. The oil leak advisory, described as not excessive in May 2026, should be traced to its source, likely a valve cover gasket or camshaft seal common on this generation Clio engine, to confirm it has not worsened. Finally, operate the parking brake through its full range of movement, as slight play in the mechanism has appeared as an advisory in both 2025 tests.