2009 Renault Megane 1.6L Petrol · LR09 DLD

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 15 April 2026, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning and appears to be worsening. While the car is currently roadworthy, the history reveals a pattern of neglecting basic consumables and a steady decline in the condition of the front suspension and drivetrain components. The transition from light oil misting on the shock absorbers in 2025 to a serious fluid leak in 2026 indicates a failure to address emerging faults before they became critical failures. With a recorded mileage of 104,710 miles over approximately 17 years, the vehicle has averaged around 6,159 miles per year. This usage rate is typical for its age and suggests a balanced mix of short and medium journeys. Mechanically, this mileage puts the vehicle in a phase where rubber components, such as suspension bushes and engine mounts, are likely to be reaching the end of their natural service life, and the drivetrain will require careful scrutiny to ensure it has been adequately lubricated and maintained. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the front end of the vehicle. The recent failure of both constant velocity boots and the nearside front shock absorber suggests a vulnerability in the drivetrain and damping system. During a test drive, listen for clicking or popping sounds when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, which would indicate that the CV joints have already suffered damage from debris ingress despite the recent repairs. Additionally, check for excessive bouncing or a floaty sensation over undulating surfaces to ensure the damping is now performing correctly. The recurring history of tyre wear, including previous dangerous tread depths and recent advisories for uneven edge wear, strongly suggests an underlying issue with the wheel alignment or worn suspension geometry. Inspect the current front tyres for irregular wear patterns and verify if the tracking has been professionally corrected. Furthermore, given the previous advisories for pitted and scored front brake discs, the buyer should check for brake shudder during deceleration and inspect the disc surfaces for heavy corrosion. Finally, verify the service history to ensure that timing belts and fluids have been changed according to the manufacturer's calendar intervals, as the vehicle's age makes time-based degradation a significant factor.