1997 Renault Clio: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Renault Clio?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Renault Clio than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Shock absorbers2.2× usual
  Renault Clio

  14.4% All 1997 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.6% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Brakes pulling to one side3.1× usual
  Renault Clio

  8% All 1997 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 2% of all 1997 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.

Common 1997 Renault Clio MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Renault Clio MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  42% 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
  39% 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
  34% 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
  26% 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
  17% 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 1997 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 shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1997 Renault Clio as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brakes pulling to one side? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 1997 Renault Clio as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?