2001 Renault Clio diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Renault Clio diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Renault Clio diesel than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Steering rack6.8× usual
  Renault Clio

  12.9% All 2001 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 1.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes4.4× usual
  Renault Clio

  12.9% All 2001 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.6% of all 2001 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.

• Steering rack inner joints3.7× usual
  Renault Clio

  13.7% All 2001 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2001 Renault Clio diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Renault Clio diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  35% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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
  16% 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.

• Steering
  15% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Renault Clio diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 6.8× as often on the 2001 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 2001 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2001 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?