2009 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · SC09 FRD

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a trend of reactive rather than preventative maintenance. While it passed its most recent test in September 2025 at 108,957 miles, this followed a significant failure just one week prior involving critical mechanical and safety defects. The history shows that recurring issues are only addressed when they reach the point of failure, as evidenced by the persistent corrosion on the offside front coil spring and brake pipe across the 2024 and 2025 inspections. At 108,957 miles, this seventeen-year-old Clio averages approximately 6,400 miles per year, which is consistent with typical low-mileage patterns. However, the data reveals a sharp increase in vehicle use between September 2023 (78,664 miles) and September 2024 (92,653 miles), where it covered nearly 14,000 miles in a single year. This period of higher usage coincides with a decline in mechanical condition, triggering multiple failures in track rods, suspension bushings, and wheel bearings, suggesting the vehicle was being pushed beyond its limits without routine upkeep. A buyer must scrutinize the front suspension and braking system during a physical inspection. The record previously flagged excessive play in the track rod ends and ball joints, alongside a near-catastrophic wheel bearing, which indicates high wear on the steering and hub components. The presence of leaking hydraulic brake cylinders and corroded brake pipes in 2024 suggests that the braking system is prone to fluid loss. Furthermore, the recurring corrosion on the offside front coil spring and the damaged MacPherson strut mounting indicate that the structural suspension components are degrading, which may eventually lead to component failure if not monitored and replaced.