2009 Renault Clio 2.0L Petrol · SH59 LVW

The 2009 Renault Clio presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a fully clean pass on 1 March 2024 at 95,554 miles with zero defects recorded. This is a significant turnaround from the February 2021 failure, where the tester flagged four worn brake discs, four sets of pads worn to the wear indicator, and an offside front track rod end with excessive play. The subsequent tests show those critical braking and steering defects were addressed, and the vehicle has remained fault-free since March 2022. The trajectory from multiple serious failures to two consecutive clean passes suggests the previous owner invested in proper repairs rather than applying temporary fixes. The mileage profile tells an interesting story. The vehicle accumulated just 77,569 miles over its first twelve years, averaging roughly 6,464 miles annually, which is notably low for a supermini of this age. However, the jump from 77,569 miles in March 2021 to 95,554 miles by March 2024 represents 17,985 miles in three years, a sharp increase to nearly 6,000 miles per year. This suggests the car went from light, possibly intermittent use to more regular daily driving. Buyers should be aware that the low lifetime mileage may mask extended periods of standing, which can cause perished rubber components, stale fuel issues, and surface corrosion on brake components despite the relatively low odometer reading. The 2021 failure remains the most technically revealing entry in this record. The simultaneous wear of all four brake discs and pads down to the wear indicator, combined with a worn track rod end, points to a vehicle that had been driven hard or neglected for some time before that test. The tester also noted the nearside front brake disc was significantly and obviously worn, suggesting uneven hydraulic pressure or a binding caliper that may have caused localized overheating. Although these items were clearly replaced before the March 2021 retest, a buyer should still inspect the front suspension and steering rack boots for any signs of grease leakage or perished rubber, as the original track rod end failure indicates the front end endured stress beyond normal wear. The March 2023 advisories for both front tyres worn to 2mm on the edges are worth noting. Tyre wear at the legal limit on both sides simultaneously suggests either persistent misalignment, underinflation over extended periods, or aggressive cornering. The fact that no tyre defects appeared in the 2024 test suggests the issue was corrected, but a buyer should verify the date stamps on the current tyres and check for any uneven tread patterns that could indicate lingering alignment or suspension geometry concerns. The 2022 advisory for slight play in the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint also warrants a physical check, as this component can deteriorate further and cause knocking over uneven surfaces if left unattended.