2009 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · MV09 LHX

The Renault Clio’s most recent MOT test on 2025-09-16 confirms it remains roadworthy, though the record reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures just before passing tests. The vehicle failed twice in quick succession—once on 2024-04-23 and again on 2023-03-24—before passing the subsequent tests. This suggests either a narrow margin of compliance in critical areas or inconsistent maintenance leading up to test dates. The absence of specific defect details in the failures means no recurring mechanical issues are explicitly documented, but the frequency implies a need for closer scrutiny of components prone to wear at this mileage, particularly brakes, suspension, and emissions systems. The recorded mileage of 107,154 miles over approximately 17 years equates to an average of around 6,300 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. However, the MOT history shows irregular intervals between tests, with gaps of up to 13 months between failures and passes. The most notable is the 2023-2024 period, where the vehicle failed in March before passing in April of the same year and again in April 2024, followed by a clean pass in September 2025. This suggests either delayed servicing or a pattern of deferring necessary repairs until the last possible moment. The lack of a full service history in the MOT record further complicates assessing long-term maintenance discipline. Given the repeated near-failures, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, including rear caliper binding, disc thickness, and pad wear, as these are common failure points in older Renaults. The suspension should be checked for worn bushes, coil spring integrity, and corrosion at mounting points, especially if the vehicle has seen wet or salty conditions. Exhaust emissions systems, particularly the catalytic converter and lambda probes, may have been the cause of past failures, so visual inspection for leaks or error codes is essential. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and sills, should also be examined, as this is a critical risk for vehicles of this age and mileage. The absence of detailed failure reasons in the MOT record makes these areas the most likely candidates for hidden issues.