2004 Renault Clio diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Renault Clio diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Renault Clio diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes6.5× usual
  Renault Clio

  12.3% All 2004 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.5% of all 2004 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.

• Coil springs1.8× usual
  Renault Clio

  18.8% All 2004 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 2.7% of all 2004 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 rack5.4× usual
  Renault Clio

  9.2% All 2004 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 1% of all 2004 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 joints2.2× usual
  Renault Clio

  8.3% All 2004 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 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.

• Shock absorbers1.7× usual
  Renault Clio

  11.4% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 1.7% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Renault Clio diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 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
  50% 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
  41% 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
  35% 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.

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 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 6.5× as often on the 2004 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2004 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 5.4× as often on the 2004 Renault Clio diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?