2009 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · LM09 GDU

Over the most recent four documented DVSA test dates, this 2009 Renault Clio has produced a notably clean paper trail: passes were recorded on 5 September 2025, 6 September 2024, 21 August 2023, and 25 July 2022, with no advisories, no corrosion notes, and no component defects logged across any of those visits. The single interruption in that pattern is a failure on 17 August 2023 which, unusually, is recorded with no defects listed; this can occur when a vehicle is presented in a non-testable condition or when administrative data is incomplete, but the important practical point is that the car returned to a test bay four days later on 21 August 2023 and passed without a single advisory being raised. On paper, therefore, the trend is stable and the Clio carries a consistent record of roadworthiness with no flagged wear items for a prospective buyer to follow up on. Against a 17-year vehicle age, 62,127 recorded miles equates to an average of around 3,655 miles per year, which is low for a car of this type and could equally reflect genuinely light use, extended periods of being garaged and off the road, or short urban journeys dominated by cold starts. The MOT testing pattern supports that interpretation: annual tests have been carried out almost without fail between 2022 and 2025, which suggests the vehicle has been kept taxed and presented regularly, but the low annual mileage is still worth weighing carefully. Long periods of standing or only short trips can be harder on certain components than consistent higher-mileage use, with brake discs and calipers prone to surface corrosion from lack of use, and the underside of the car susceptible to surface oxidation if it is not driven in all weathers. Because the DVSA record is unusually bare for a car of this age, a physical inspection becomes especially important. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as front wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links and strut top mounts are common wear items on Clios of this generation and would not necessarily have been flagged if the car is not driven far between tests. Feel for vibration through the steering wheel under braking, any pull to one side, or a soft or spongy pedal, all of which would indicate the condition of the discs, pads and calipers that may have sat unused for extended periods. Also check the steering rack gaiters and suspension bushes for perishing or splits, as the MOT data does not differentiate between components in a pass. The engine bay and underside deserve particular attention on the inspection ramp. Look for signs of oil seepage around the cam cover, valve cover gasket, and the area around the oil filter housing, which are typical weak points on Renault engines of this era and would not necessarily appear on an MOT record. Examine the exhaust system for blueing, rust, or any signs of blowing joints, and check the condition of the rubber exhaust mounting. Finally, inspect the underside of the car in general for any surface corrosion that might be starting to take hold on subframe or suspension components, given the vehicle's age, and ensure that all electrical items, including the central locking, electric windows, and any air conditioning system, are functioning correctly, as these are not assessed during the MOT test itself.