Not surprised at all... unless I only take my car to people I have worked with and/or trust..
For future ref anyone can do the following checks (all off the top of my head) before going for an MOT... a full in depth of whats required is here.
http://www.ukmot.com/5-1.asp
.. please excuse anything in the list that might not exist on the clio, I haven't fully got underneath it yet!
easy stuff...
lights
Reg plate bulbs
horn
Wiper blades
Windscreen washers
Windscreen check (no cracks larger than 5p in drivers zone)
Seat belts (must recoil, cannot be frayed etc)
handbrake
tyres (min 1.6mm tread)
Get underneath the rear...
Check exhaust for security and leaks (worn mounts)
Check rear springs (can snap) and seats (if present for cracks)
Bounce the rear, listen for knocks which could be a sign of worn shocks and/or bushes
Check shocks for leaks (obv only any use if not gas)
Check the bushes for wear/cracking/play
Check brake pad thickness (can't remember off top of my head but expect rear brake pads to look low as only low amount of friction material to start with)
jack up the front...
Check for play in front suspension by pulling the front wheel from top to bottom (or get a bar under it and pull up)
Check CV boots all gaitors for splits
Check Drop links for play (use a bar)
Track/tie rod ends for play (use a bar)
Check brake pad material thickness
Push down the car on each wing (be careful where you push), should return quickly, slow return could mean shocks worn.
Lower arm bushes (look for wear/play)
Driving..
Graunching/grinding noises could be..
worn bearings
low brake pads
Graunching/knocking when turning on full lock could be
CV joints worn
Knocks could be
Worn shocks/Springs
Bushes worn (arb etc, drop links)
something stupid rolling round in the boot!
