2009 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · MV59 XPR

The 2009 Renault Clio passed its most recent MOT on 31 July 2025 at 83,472 miles, but only after three failed attempts within the preceding fortnight. The maintenance trend is clearly worsening. In the April 2025 failure at 78,771 miles the tester logged a supplementary restraint fault, non-functioning offside dipped beam, worn brake discs, thin pads, a corroded front shock absorber, play in the steering rack, and an inoperative seat belt. The July 2025 tests added incorrect headlamp aim, a reversing lamp failure, stop lamps staying on, and an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint. Such a cluster of safety-critical defects across lighting, steering, suspension, and restraint systems shows the previous owner deferred basic upkeep until forced by test refusal. Recorded mileage sits at 83,472 against a 17-year life, an average of roughly 4,910 miles per year. The car covered only 4,228 miles between the clean April 2024 pass at 74,243 miles and the April 2025 failure, then just 4,701 more to the July 2025 pass. Low annual use suggests prolonged standing periods, which explains the fog lamp lens defect and corroded shock absorber yet does not excuse the worn suspension ball joint or smooth brake pedal carried unchanged across four tests. A buyer must physically verify the front suspension. The nearside lower arm ball joint was excessively worn in July 2025 and the offside anti-roll bar linkage showed play and a failed dust cover from April 2025. Check for ingress damage and renewed joints. Inspect both front brake discs for pitting and confirm pad thickness, since these drew strong advisories and the pedal surface remains worn smooth. Confirm the SRS warning lamp is now cleared, not merely reset, and test all seat belts, stop lamps, and headlamp aim. The recurring fog lamp lens and reversing lamp faults are minor, but the steering rack inner joint play and structural suspension wear point to a vehicle that needs immediate mechanical attention despite its low mileage.