2007 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · ND07 VGZ

The Renault Clio holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 20 April 2026 at 124,764 miles, yet the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. The most recent test flagged a minor exhaust gas leak, both front tyres worn to the legal limit and scalloped on their edges, a corroded nearside rear coil spring, and a severely deteriorated nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover. These advisories point to neglected suspension and steering components rather than routine consumable wear alone. The car passed, but the pattern suggests the next test will be harder to achieve without intervention. At roughly 19 years old with 124,764 miles recorded, the Clio has averaged about 6,567 miles per year, which is unremarkable for its age. The mileage progression is steady and consistent: 116,267 miles in September 2023, 117,891 miles in April 2024, 122,855 miles in March 2025, and 124,764 miles in April 2026. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps that would suggest long-term standing or odometer anomalies. The annual mileage has remained relatively stable, indicating regular rather than sporadic use. The 2025 test cycle is particularly telling. The initial failure on 20 March 2025 at 122,855 miles revealed a fractured offside rear coil spring, an inoperative nearside rear parking brake, corroded brake pipes and a corroded brake hose ferrule, worn and pitted front brake discs, an excessively worn offside front lower suspension arm ball joint, a faulty nearside rear seat buckle, and defective headlamp lenses with incorrect aim. When the car retested and passed just seven days later on 27 March 2025 at the same mileage, most of these items had been addressed, yet advisories remained on tyre wear, brake corrosion, and headlamp condition. A buyer should pay close attention to the underside for fresh replacements versus original corroded metal, and verify that the parking brake operates evenly on both sides. Inspect the front suspension and steering with particular care. The recurring advisories on anti-roll bar linkage dust covers, ball joints, and coil spring corrosion suggest the front end has taken a beating, likely from urban driving and speed bumps. The repeated appearance of both front tyres worn to the limit and under-inflation warnings hints at possible wheel alignment issues or slow punctures that were not properly diagnosed. Check the exhaust system for the minor gas leak noted in April 2026, paying attention to the manifold and joints for cracking or blowing. The headlamp lens defects appearing across multiple tests indicate UV degradation or physical damage that may reduce night-time visibility. Have a garage put the car on a ramp and examine the brake lines, suspension bushes, and subframe for corrosion before committing to a purchase.