2009 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · SH59 OXA

The most recent MOT, conducted on 2 February 2024 at 108,127 miles, passed, but the record reveals a maintenance pattern that is inconsistent rather than reliably improving. The vehicle failed the previous day, 31 January 2024, on a fractured nearside front coil spring, a dangerously worn track rod end ball joint, and corroded rear brake pipes. These were rectified within 24 hours, yet the pass certificate still carried advisories for the same corroded rear brake pipe issue on both sides. That suggests the underlying corrosion was noted but not fully remedied. The trend is mixed: critical safety items were addressed to gain a pass, but a recurring brake pipe defect remained unresolved at the time of the last test. The mileage progression tells a story of very light recent use. The car covered roughly 15,300 miles between March 2022 and February 2023, then only about 15,400 miles in the following year, and effectively zero miles between the January 2024 failure and the February 2024 pass. The recorded mileage of 108,127 has not moved since February 2024, meaning the vehicle has now sat stationary for over two years. That is a significant concern. Long periods of inactivity accelerate brake seizure, tyre flat-spotting, fuel degradation, and moisture ingress into electrical connectors and the exhaust system. The annual average of around 6,360 miles is typical for the age, but the recent plateau is not. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the components that have repeatedly failed or been flagged. The rear brake pipes on both sides were corroded and contaminated with grease or material at the 2024 test, and this was also noted in the 2024 pass. That points to a persistent vulnerability in the braking system, likely at the axle-mounted hard lines where road salt and moisture accumulate. The nearside front coil spring was fractured in January 2024, so the replacement should be verified, and the offside spring examined for equal fatigue. The track rod end was worn to the point of serious detachment risk, and the steering rack inner joint has shown play in multiple tests from 2022 through 2023, indicating the steering and front suspension have not been systematically overhauled. The front brake discs and pads were significantly worn in March 2022, and the nearside front constant velocity boot was split, allowing dirt ingress. Both items demand close inspection for current condition. Beyond the flagged faults, the two-year stationary period warrants a thorough check of tyre condition, brake caliper operation, fluid levels, and exhaust integrity. Corrosion in brake lines, a fractured coil spring, and a worn steering rack are not minor consumable issues. They are structural and mechanical risks that, left unattended, compromise vehicle control. The MOT record shows a car that has had reactive rather than preventive maintenance, and the current lack of use adds a layer of deterioration that no test certificate can fully capture.