2009 Renault Clio 1.5L Diesel · SP09 ULC

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a persistent pattern of unaddressed minor wear. While the most recent test in February 2025 at 144,517 miles passed, it highlighted a long-standing issue with the offside rear shock absorber. This component has shown light misting of oil across three consecutive tests dating back to 2023, indicating that the owner has opted to defer replacement of the leaking damper until it reaches a critical failure point. At 144,517 miles over 17 years, the Clio averages approximately 8,500 miles per year, which is consistent with typical UK usage for its age. The data shows a steady progression of mileage, with roughly 8,300 miles covered between January 2023 and February 2024, and another 4,175 miles between February 2024 and February 2025. There are no significant gaps in testing history, and the consistent interval suggests the car has been used regularly rather than sitting stationary, which helps prevent internal corrosion. A buyer should prioritize a physical inspection of the suspension and braking system. The offside rear shock absorber requires immediate attention as the oil leak has persisted for two years. Furthermore, the record notes play in the offside front track rod end in early 2024, and front brake discs were flagged for pitting and scoring in 2021 and 2023. The buyer must verify if these components have been replaced since those advisories, as pitted discs and worn joints compromise braking efficiency and steering stability. The 2021 failure regarding the seat belt buckle and insufficient brake lever travel indicates a previous lapse in basic safety maintenance. While these specific items were resolved, the current windscreen damage noted in 2025 should be monitored for cracks. Given the age and mileage, the inspector should also check for structural corrosion on the sills and excessive play in the steering geometry to ensure the recurring track rod issues are not indicative of wider suspension neglect.