2002 Renault Clio diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Renault Clio diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Renault Clio diesel than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes6.1× usual
  Renault Clio

  14.1% All 2002 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.5% of all 2002 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.

• Headlights1.8× usual
  Renault Clio

  19.7% All 2002 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 4.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Coil springs1.9× usual
  Renault Clio

  19.2% All 2002 cars

  10.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Steering rack4.2× usual
  Renault Clio

  7.5% All 2002 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1% of all 2002 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.5× usual
  Renault Clio

  8.6% All 2002 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2002 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 2002 Renault Clio diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Renault Clio diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  56% 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
  45% 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
  36% 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
  32% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  15% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 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 anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 6.1× as often on the 2002 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2002 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2002 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?