2010 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · SL10 KVP

The vehicle's roadworthiness shows a worsening maintenance trend, characterized by an increasing frequency of mechanical failures during annual inspections. While the most recent test on 2 December 2025 at 70,019 miles resulted in a pass, the tester flagged several significant advisories regarding the nearside front suspension. These include slight play in the anti-roll bar linkage and suspension arm ball joints, alongside severely deteriorated dust covers. The recurring nature of these suspension issues, combined with a perishing tyre sidewall, suggests that while the car is technically legal, the components are reaching the end of their serviceable life. The mileage profile indicates low annual usage, averaging approximately 4,376 miles per year over its sixteen-year lifespan. The recorded jumps between tests show a steady, predictable progression: 57,184 miles in December 2023, 64,063 miles in December 2024, and 70,019 miles in December 2025. This low mileage often results in components like rubber bushes, seals, and tyres perishing due to age and lack of movement rather than mechanical wear. The 2025 failure for a split nearside drive shaft CV boot and deteriorated dust covers aligns with this pattern of age-related rubber degradation. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension geometry and all associated rubber components. The history shows a pattern of recurring faults, specifically with ball joints and dust covers, which were flagged in both the December 2024 and December 2025 tests. The 2024 record also highlighted corrosion on the Macpherson struts and fuel pipes, indicating that structural oxidation is a factor for this vehicle. Any inspection should prioritize checking the integrity of the fuel system and the extent of corrosion on the suspension mounting points to ensure no deeper structural issues exist. The braking system and steering components also require close scrutiny. The December 2024 test identified pitted and scored brake discs, and the December 2025 failure noted excessive play in the offside track rod end. Because the vehicle has failed multiple times on items such as lighting, horns, and loose heatshields, it appears the previous owner may have been reactive rather than proactive with preventative maintenance. Verifying the current condition of the handbrake, which showed long travel in late 2023, and ensuring all recent advisories have been addressed is essential.