2016 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · GC65 KVG

The defining mechanical story of this Clio centres on a single but significant front suspension failure recorded just over a year ago, set against otherwise unblemished MOT outcomes. The 2024 and 2023 tests passed without any recorded defects, and the most recent test on 23 February 2026 also returned a clean pass. However, the 25 February 2025 test identified a Major defect for excessive wear on the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint, which caused the immediate failure. When the vehicle was re-presented the following day, it passed, but with advisories still recorded against both front tyres for wear close to the legal limit and on the edges, and with no mention of the ball joint repair in the advisory list, meaning the remedial work should be confirmed independently. The overall trajectory is therefore one of a generally sound record interrupted by a notable front-end wear event that has since been addressed. With 70,938 miles spread across ten years, this Clio has averaged roughly 7,094 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of its age and class rather than unusually low or high. The mileage progression between tests is steady and consistent, with no recorded gaps in testing that would suggest extended periods off the road, and no sudden jumps that might indicate a discrepancy or a long unrecorded accumulation. From a mechanical standpoint, this kind of regular moderate usage tends to keep consumables and lubricants cycling normally, while still placing realistic wear demand on braking and suspension components over a decade of service. The wear pattern observed on the front tyres and the ball joint failure are entirely consistent with this level of use on a small Renault of this generation. For a prospective buyer, the priority is to verify that the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint replacement carried out after the February 2025 failure was a complete component renewal rather than a partial repair, and to inspect the surrounding components for any collateral wear. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonks or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed humps and potholes, and feel for any vagueness or looseness through the steering when turning or braking. Pay specific attention to the nearside front suspension arm as well, since asymmetric loading and identical duty cycles mean the corresponding ball joint may be approaching a similar wear threshold. Check the front tyres carefully for uneven inner or outer edge wear, which can indicate incorrect camber following suspension work or worn bushings further up the strut assembly. The front brake discs and calipers should also be examined, as the previous advisories do not detail brake condition but the wear patterns observed suggest the front axle is doing the majority of the deceleration work. On the road, test for any pulling to one side under firm braking, a spongy pedal feel, or vibration through the steering wheel that would suggest warped discs. Given the vehicle's age and the recorded suspension component failure, a thorough inspection of the rear axle is equally worthwhile, listening for any knocking from the rear torsion beam or its mounting bushes. Confirm that all warning lamps extinguish promptly after start-up and that the engine runs smoothly without misfires, irregular idle, or excessive vibration, as a decade of regular road use will have introduced normal wear to engine and gearbox mountings that warrants direct confirmation during a viewing.