1996 Renault Clio: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Renault Clio?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Renault Clio than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Brakes pulling to one side3.4× usual
  Renault Clio

  9.1% All 1996 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 2.1% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes3.1× usual
  Renault Clio

  6.2% All 1996 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.4% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 1996 Renault Clio MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Renault Clio MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  37% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  23% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  22% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  20% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Renault Clio

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brakes pulling to one side? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 1996 Renault Clio as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 1996 Renault Clio as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?