2009 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · LM59 FPF

The most recent MOT test in April 2024 resulted in a failure due to critical suspension wear, specifically regarding the offside front outer track rod end and the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint. When reviewing the full history, the maintenance trend appears to be worsening. There is a recurring pattern of suspension degradation and failure, including fractured rear coil springs and worn ball joints across multiple years, which suggests a reactive approach to maintenance rather than a preventative one. The vehicle has covered 105,939 miles over 17 years, averaging approximately 6,232 miles per year. This is a typical usage profile for a vehicle of this age and type. While the annual mileage is moderate, the age of the car means that rubber components, bushings, and structural elements are subject to natural perishing and fatigue regardless of the distance travelled, which is reflected in the frequent suspension advisories. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the steering and suspension systems. The repeated failures of ball joints and track rod ends indicate a need for a thorough inspection of all suspension bushes. During a test drive, listen for clunking or knocking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvring. The previous advisories regarding lipped and pitted brake discs suggest the braking system may be nearing the end of its service life; check for brake shudder under deceleration or a grinding noise. Furthermore, the history of uneven tyre wear on both inner and outer edges strongly suggests that the wheel alignment has been compromised, likely as a consequence of the ongoing suspension wear. Additional attention must be paid to the exhaust system, as the latest records identify a leak in the rear box and a defective mounting. Listen for an increased drone or rasping sound from the rear of the vehicle while idling or accelerating. Given the recorded corrosion on the front coil springs and the previous fracture of the rear springs, a visual inspection of the chassis and suspension mounting points for structural corrosion is essential. Finally, verify that the cracked fog lamp lens has been replaced and ensure the current tyres have sufficient tread depth and no sidewall cracking, as the history shows a consistent tendency to run tyres down to their legal limit.