2019 Renault Clio 0.9L Petrol · HS19 FSK

The most recent MOT, dated 29 April 2026, resulted in a failure for a major defect – a fractured off‑side front coil spring – and an advisory concerning slight damage or perishing of the off‑side front tyre. This represents a clear deterioration from the preceding three years, during which the car passed its MOT without recorded defects and only minor advisories were noted. The sudden emergence of a structural suspension fault suggests that the vehicle’s maintenance record, while previously stable, has now entered a period of concern that must be addressed before the car can be considered roadworthy. With a recorded 31 617 miles on the odometer after just under seven years, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 4 500 miles. This is well below the typical UK average of around 10 000‑12 000 miles per year, indicating that the car has been driven lightly or has spent extended periods stationary. Low mileage generally means reduced wear on engine, transmission and brake components, but it can also be a warning sign of prolonged storage, which may lead to tyre perishing, battery sulphation and corrosion of suspension bushings or brake calipers that are not exercised regularly. Prospective buyers should give the off‑side front suspension the highest priority. The fractured coil spring will have compromised ride height and handling; inspect the spring, its mounting points and the associated lower wishbone for cracks, corrosion or deformation. While the car is on a lift, check the condition of the front shock absorber, the ball joints and the inner and outer tie‑rod ends for excessive play or leaking oil. On a test drive, listen for clunking or knocking from the front corner when negotiating bumps, and feel for any pull or vibration that could indicate a mis‑aligned or damaged suspension component. The advisory about the front tyre perishing also warrants a thorough visual and tactile inspection of the tread, sidewall and bead; look for dry rot, cracks or bulges, and verify that the tyre still meets the legal tread depth of 1.6 mm. Given the TPMS was noted as active in 2023, confirm that the sensor is functioning and that the tyre pressures are stable, as a slow leak can accelerate sidewall degradation. Even if the suspension is repaired, the vehicle’s low‑usage profile means several time‑based items should be checked. Examine the 12‑volt battery for sulphation and verify its cranking voltage, especially if the car has been idle for long stretches. Inspect the brake discs and pads for surface rust, glazing or uneven wear that can develop when a car sits unused; the inner‑edge tyre wear advisory from 2022 may hint at alignment or suspension issues that could also affect brake balance. Finally, confirm that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been refreshed within the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, as fluids can degrade with age regardless of mileage. A full service history and any receipts for the coil‑spring replacement will provide further confidence that the car has been properly restored to a safe condition.