2011 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · ML11 VAV

With four consecutive pass entries and no advisories recorded between 2022 and 2026, this Renault Clio presents a clean recent MOT profile, the 2026-07-24 test being the latest of that run. The only blemish in the documented history is a single fail at the 2023-08-03 retest, which was triggered by three specific Major defects: non-functioning nearside and offside front windscreen washers and a fractured nearside front lower coil spring. Because that spring defect was rectified to allow the same-day pass and no further suspension-related advisories have appeared in the three tests since, there is no current evidence of broader suspension deterioration in the record, though the failure does establish that coil spring failure has occurred on this chassis and age band. The recorded mileage of 16,965 miles across approximately fifteen years equates to an average accumulation of just over 1,130 miles per year, which is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this vintage. The MOT history contains no entry for 2019 or earlier, which suggests either a period off the road prior to the 2020 test or simply that testing only became relevant once the car reached three years of age in 2014, with no tests retained in the supplied record before 2020. Such low annual usage typically means the clutch, brake friction material and drivetrain wear items have seen minimal mechanical cycling, but it also raises the likelihood of dried rubber components, stale fluids, and surface corrosion on infrequently used moving parts, particularly underbody metalwork and brake disc faces which can develop rust scale rapidly on lightly driven cars. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the suspension system, as the recorded nearside front lower coil spring fracture in 2023 is the only structural-type defect in the history. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn suspension linkages, anti-roll bar drop links, or top mounts; pay particular attention to any steering vagueness or creaking when turning at low speed, both of which are common on ageing Renault Clio front suspensions. Visually inspect the new coil spring for correct seating and check that the corresponding offside spring shows no sign of corrosion pitting or sagging, as fracture on one side frequently precedes similar failure on the opposite side. Additionally, examine the front and rear brake discs for a pronounced lip of corrosion, which is consistent with the low-mileage profile, and verify that the washers now produce a strong, symmetric jet onto the windscreen. Given the 2021 advisories noting perishing on the nearside and offside front tyres as well as the offside rear, all of which were eleven years old at that time, a buyer should confirm that the tyres now fitted are recent and carry current manufacture dates, as rubber degrades with age regardless of tread depth. Check the condition of all exterior rubber including wiper blades, door and boot seals, and any visible suspension bushes for hardening or cracking. A thorough inspection underneath the vehicle for any signs of fluid leakage, corrosion to subframe or brake pipe runs, and general underbody condition is advisable, given that low-mileage cars frequently suffer from seized components rather than worn ones. Finally, ensure all warning lamps extinguish promptly on ignition and that the cooling fan operates correctly, as the limited annual usage may mask cooling system or electrical issues that only emerge under regular driving loads.