2010 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · OV10 TYY

The most recent MOT test on 2025-12-12 resulted in a clean pass, with no defects recorded, and the vehicle’s overall maintenance history remains stable. While there were notable failures in 2021—particularly the major issues with the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint and near-side front lower suspension component ball joint—these were addressed before the vehicle was retested in subsequent years, and all subsequent MOTs since then have been passed without further issues. The presence of advisories in 2022, such as the offside front track rod end ball joint with slight play and the severely deteriorated dust cover on the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint, suggests early signs of wear that were likely managed proactively, though they do warrant closer attention moving forward. The fact that these problems did not reappear in later tests indicates either corrective action was taken or the wear progression was contained, but the history does not reflect a consistent pattern of worsening mechanical condition. The recorded mileage of 90,037 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 16 years represents a relatively low annual usage rate of around 5,627 miles per year. This is notably lower than the typical wear rates for vehicles of this age, which often accumulate between 10,000 and 15,000 miles annually under normal conditions. The low mileage could imply periods of prolonged inactivity, such as storage or infrequent use, which can lead to specific issues like standing corrosion, fluid degradation, and component dryness. However, it also suggests that the vehicle has not been subjected to the same levels of mechanical stress as higher-mileage examples, potentially delaying the onset of wear-related failures. That said, the combination of low mileage and age means the vehicle may still be susceptible to age-related wear, such as tyre sidewall cracking, brake disc corrosion, or suspension component stiffness from lack of movement. Given the MOT history, the buyer should conduct a thorough visual and functional inspection of the suspension and steering components. Focus on the front suspension, particularly the track rod ends, lower suspension arms, and anti-roll bar ball joints, as these areas have shown signs of wear or deterioration in previous tests. On a test drive, listen for unusual noises such as clunks or rattles from the front suspension, which may indicate worn or broken suspension bushes, binding calipers, or loose components. Check for uneven tyre wear, which could signal misalignment or suspension issues, and inspect the brake system for signs of corrosion on discs or binding calipers, especially on the near-side front brake assembly where wear was previously noted. Additionally, verify that the steering is straight and responsive, as play in the track rod ends could lead to handling instability. For practical checks beyond the MOT, the buyer should examine the vehicle’s tyres for sidewall perishing or cracking, which is more common in older vehicles due to prolonged exposure to environmental elements. Inspect the 12V battery for signs of corrosion on terminals or a weak hold-up current, as low-mileage vehicles can suffer from battery degradation from disuse. Check the fluid levels and condition of the engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid, as these fluids degrade over time even without use, particularly if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. Ensure the service book is up to date, and if not, verify that the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule has been followed, including timing belt replacement (if applicable) and other calendar-based servicing. Finally, conduct a visual inspection of the exhaust system for leaks or corrosion, and test for excessive emissions if the vehicle has been stationary for long periods, as idling or inactivity can lead to fuel system or catalytic converter issues.