Engine choice
The original engine line-up of eight-valve petrol engines and a normally-aspirated 1.9-litre diesel may be a bit low-tech, but these units are extremely durable and have been proven over many years. Certainly, if you’re after low-budget transport that you want to depend on, these are the ones to go for.
Later engines are much more refined, but can come with problems. Chief among these is premature failure of the 1.5-litre dci diesels, which have a well-documented problem with blown turbos.
The fault lies with the EGR valve, which should open to allow carbon dioxide, which acts as a cooling gas, into the combustion chambers when the engine is under load. This allows the combustion chamber temperature to drop and affects the temperature of the exhaust gases. If it sticks in the closed position the exhaust gas temperature rises, causing turbo bearing failure and engine oil to leak into the induction system. The engine runs on its crankcase oil until it is either stalled or goes bang – there are Youtube videos of engines destroying themselves in a cloud of smoke.
A big clue in advance that this is about to occur is if the engine starts to run rough under load. Be wary, too, of cars where the vendor tells you the turbo has been replaced, and check that the EGR valve has been swapped at the same time. If not, then the new turbo won’t last long.
Indeed, with petrol Clios returning over 40mpg and prices of all variants being low, the risk probably isn’t worth bothering with unless you’re happy to buy a cheap car you consider as disposable. If so, then the 100PS diesel is one of the best cars in the range to drive.
Petrol engines are generally pretty reliable, but regular timing belt changes (36,000 miles) are essential. The later 1.2 16v models seem to be most prone, with timing belt failures reported as low as 30,000 miles, likewise the 1.4 16v, though these seem to last a bit longer. The older eight-valvers aren’t immune, though, so it makes sense to change the belt, tensioners and water pump every three years or so.
Running gear
Although not all cars are affected, some Clios seem to suffer from premature gearbox failure, due to wear in the gearbox casing, which goes porous at the top and allows oil to escape. If there’s a distinct whine – even a quiet one – from the transmission, then chances are this is the beginning of the end, so walk away. The problem doesn’t affect all cars, though, and we’ve seen several with six-figure mileages on their original ’box, so it really is the luck of the draw. Most likely, Renault sourced the gearboxes from more than one factory and there were a few bad batches.
Automatic transmissions are known for giving problems, ironically making the awful Quickshift 5 gearbox a much more reliable option for those who require two pedals. The problem lies with the automatic transmission fluid cooler within the main engine radiator, which can fracture and allow coolant to flow into the transmission, wrecking it in a very short time.
Another known issue lies with the car’s front suspension arms, the subject of a recall in 2003. Premature corrosion can cause the arms to snap in a light impact, such as hitting a kerb, so again it makes sense to check if a potential purchase had the recall work carried out.
On the very first batch of cars sold in the UK before October 1998 – about 10,000 in total – a recall was issued for the throttle cable, which was chafing on the bulkhead and prone to snapping. Chances are, if a car has survived 19 years, it has been dealt with appropriately, but on low-mileage cars it’s prudent to check that the necessary work has been carried out. Renault Customer Services (0344 335 0000) will be able to tell you.
Otherwise, just carry out the normal checks for steering and suspension wear, particularly the front coil springs, which commonly fracture around the lower cups.
Interior
Cabins are simple and functional, although the materials used aren’t the most hardwearing, especially on pre2001 models, so you should reasonably expect some wear to seat bolsters and door handles. Renault Sport models, with their chunky Alcantara seat facings, seem especially prone to this and can look pretty tired even after relatively low mileages.
The electric mirror adjusters can also break off, and temperamental fuel and temperature gauges are fairly