2009 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · WM09 ENW

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2009 Renault Clio was conducted on 8 October 2025, where the vehicle was issued a Pass with no advisories or defects recorded. Looking at the broader history, however, the maintenance trajectory is mixed and suggests intermittent attention rather than steady deterioration. The same October 2025 date also produced a Fail, which means a retest was successfully carried out after rectification of the offside headlamp aim and offside track rod end ball joint. Both the headlamp defect and the recurring track rod end issue have appeared consistently since at least 2021, with the same component flagged three years running as an advisory before becoming a fail item. A separate Fail in October 2022 included a dangerous nearside front inner brake disc defect and a torn anti-roll bar linkage dust cover, indicating that more serious mechanical concerns have been addressed historically. Overall the trend is best characterised as stable but with identifiable weak points that have repeatedly demanded rectification. The recorded mileage of 107,226 miles over approximately seventeen years equates to an annual average of roughly 6,300 miles, which is broadly typical for a small hatchback of this age but sits at the lower end of average use. There are no anomalous gaps or sudden jumps in the mileage between MOT entries, suggesting consistent year-round driving rather than long periods of standing or unusually high motorway accumulation. That said, the cumulative wear associated with over 107,000 miles is significant for a vehicle of this size and class, particularly in respect of suspension components, clutch operation, exhaust system integrity, and engine ancillaries such as the timing chain and coolant system. Even at moderate annual mileage, age-related deterioration of rubber, plastic, and electrical components continues independently of odometer readings. The recurring offside front track rod end defect is the most prominent mechanical concern in this history and warrants close physical inspection prior to purchase. Track rod ends are a primary steering linkage component, and excessive play at the ball joint directly affects steering precision, wheel alignment, and tyre wear patterns. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering, and visually inspect the inner and outer edges of the front tyres for uneven feathered wear, which commonly accompanies worn steering joints. Given that the advisories have appeared on three consecutive tests before culminating in a fail, the repaired joint should be inspected for fresh play and the entire track rod assembly, droplinks, and steering rack gaiters checked for related wear. The offside headlamp aim failure recorded in 2025 is typically a minor adjustment issue but should be confirmed as correctly set, as misaligned headlamps can result in either dazzle to oncoming traffic or insufficient forward illumination. Beyond the recorded defects, the October 2022 dangerous brake disc defect and anti-roll bar dust cover failure highlight the importance of a thorough brake and suspension check given the vehicle's age and mileage. The nearside front disc was previously assessed as seriously weakened, and any replacement should be verified along with the condition of the calipers, pads, and brake lines for corrosion or fluid leaks. With 107,000 miles accumulated, the buyer should also satisfy themselves that the timing belt or chain has been serviced in accordance with Renault's recommended intervals, that the cooling system has been refreshed, and that the clutch does not exhibit slipping or juddering. Tyre condition should be examined closely for sidewall cracking or perishing given that rear tyres were flagged for this in 2022, and a check of the exhaust system for corrosion at the mounting points and silencer is advisable on a seventeen-year-old vehicle. Finally, given that MOT coverage is annual and the latest pass is now almost a year old, the buyer should confirm any advisory items raised informally have been addressed, ensure the 12V battery is in good health, and verify recent servicing records including brake fluid and coolant renewal dates to ensure ongoing roadworthiness.