2009 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · RO59 KTC

The 2009 Renault Clio most recently passed its MOT test on 9 September 2025, although the same date also records a fail-and-re-test scenario from earlier that day, indicating that remedial work was carried out immediately prior to the final pass. The pattern of advisories over successive tests reveals a generally worsening rather than improving maintenance trend. Across the 2023, 2024 and 2025 tests there are recurring entries relating to nearside front wheel distortion, nearside front tyre edge wear, steering play, and various tyre defects including cuts, perishing, and edge wear. The 2025 fail specifically highlighted a major defect concerning the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint showing excessive wear, alongside a minor registration plate lamp issue and an advisory noting that the auxiliary drive belt is perished. While the vehicle is presently roadworthy, the accumulation of chassis, steering and tyre-related advisories indicates that these components are at or approaching end-of-service life and warrant close attention during pre-purchase evaluation. With approximately 125,815 miles on the odometer over a 17-year working life, the Clio averages around 7,400 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and likely to involve a mixture of urban and short-journey use. This annual rate is consistent and does not suggest any unusual gaps or excessive accumulation in any single period based on the recorded MOT history. However, at this total mileage several major drivetrain and chassis components will have undergone significant wear, including the clutch, gearbox mountings, suspension springs and bushes, and the exhaust system, which has already exhibited defective rear mounting advisories. Buyers should anticipate that higher-mileage service items such as timing chain components, water pump, and gearbox lubricants may soon be due even if not yet flagged on an MOT. Particular attention should be paid to the recurring steering and suspension concerns flagged on the nearside front. The 2023 test noted play in the steering rack inner joint, and the 2025 test recorded excessive wear in the anti-roll bar linkage ball joint. A test drive should therefore include listening for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, checking for vagueness or wandering in the steering, and visually inspecting the condition of the drop links, track rod ends, and bushes for perished rubber or excessive movement when rocked by hand. The nearside front wheel has been flagged as slightly distorted on the inner bead at three consecutive tests, suggesting possible impact damage or corrosion; this should be inspected closely for cracks around the rim and for evidence of slow tyre deflation. The perished auxiliary drive belt advisory is also significant, as a snapped belt can disable the alternator, power steering pump and water circulation, and replacement should be straightforward but necessary before further use. The repeated advisories concerning tyre condition and edge wear on both front and rear axles suggest that geometry settings, particularly camber and toe, may be outside tolerance or that suspension bushes are allowing misalignment. The cut on the nearside rear tyre and perishing on the offside rear tyre indicate that a full set of fresh rubber should be budgeted for, along with a four-wheel alignment check. The advisory noting a high parking brake lever travel suggests cable stretch or rear caliper/seized mechanism issues, which should be examined by applying and releasing the brake to confirm firm operation and full release without binding. Given the calendar age of the vehicle, regardless of mileage, prospective buyers should additionally verify the condition of the 12V battery, inspect for coolant and engine oil leaks typical of higher-mileage Renault engines, check brake discs for lipping and corrosion especially if the car has stood for periods, and confirm recent replacement of brake fluid, coolant and transmission oil at appropriate intervals. Confirming a complete service history and reviewing the spare wheel security, previously flagged as loose, will further support assessment of overall maintenance diligence.