2017 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · WN17 VLJ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a successful MOT in late July 2025. However, the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding mechanical wear on the front axle. In the July 2025 test at 51,156 miles, the car failed due to insufficient tread depth on both front tyres and an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint. While these issues were rectified to secure a pass ten miles later, the recurring faults suggest the front end components are reaching the end of their service life. At 51,166 miles over nine years, the Clio has averaged approximately 5,700 miles per year, which is significantly below the national average for its age. The usage pattern appears relatively consistent, with intervals of roughly 4,000 miles recorded between the August 2024 and 2025 tests. This low-mileage profile often indicates lighter strain on the engine but can lead to rubber-based components like bushings and ball joints drying out or cracking, evidenced by the play detected in the suspension arm as early as 2024. A buyer should closely inspect the front suspension geometry to ensure the ball joint identified in the 2024 and 2025 failures has been replaced with high-quality parts. The history of uneven tyre wear noted in 2024 suggests a potential alignment issue that should be verified to prevent premature wear on new tyres. Given the age of the vehicle, an inspector should also check for surface corrosion on the under trays and exhaust mounting, despite the tester noting these were fitted in the most recent records.