Used Renault Clio Hatchback 1998 - 2005 review
Stylish looks and low running costs give the Renault Clio real appeal
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What's the used Renault Clio like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
How we test cars
What's the used Renault Clio like?
Like its fellow French supermini, the Peugeot 206, the Renault Clio lives or dies by its looks. It's far from the most talented car in its class, but if you love its appearance, you'll forgive it almost anything.
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Overview
Stylish looks and low running costs give the Renault Clio real appeal
Pros
- Chic supermini offers low running costs on non-performance models
Cons
- It has a poorer drive and a smaller cabin than some rivals, as well as an uncomfortable driving position
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In partnership with
Renault Clio
1.2 16v Dynamique 3dr
£450
Renault Clio
1.5 dCi Dynamique TomTom Euro 5 3dr
£594
Renault Clio
1.2 16v Dynamique 3dr
£599
Renault Clio
1.4 16v Expression 5dr
£649
Renault Clio
1.4 16v Dynamique 3dr
£695
Renault Clio
1.2 Dynamique Euro 4 5dr
£699
Renault Clio
1.2 Campus 5dr
£749
Renault Clio
1.2 16v Expression 3dr
£750
Renault Clio
1.2 Campus Sport I-Music 3dr
£790
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In many ways, its strength is its weakness. The same cute lines and diminutive shape that make it so easy to thread through tight city streets also mean the cabin and boot are rather cramped. To make matters worse, the height-only adjustment on the steering wheel, plus the soft seats, give an uncomfortable driving position, especially for tall drivers.
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With the exception of the Renaultsport 172, which is a credible hot hatch, the Clio's drive puts the emphasis on comfort. The smooth ride absorbs lumps and bumps well, although one consequence of the springy suspension is obvious body roll in bends, while the steering gives too little feedback to satisfy a keen driver.
Tips & Advice
Make sure you’re insured for the test drive
Short-term car insurance – also called test-drive insurance – will ensure you’re legal when you’re shopping for your next car
Ownership cost
How much does cost to run a Renault Clio?
You can expect good fuel economy from any Clio, apart from the hot versions, especially on the post-2001 face-lift models. The 1.2s and 1.4s should return well over 40mpg, with the 1.6 only just failing to match that.
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For the ultimate economy choose a 1.5 dCi diesel, which arrived in April 2001. Its official combined fuel economy is an impressive 65.7mpg, almost 20mpg better than the pre-face-lift 1.9s.
However, figures from Warranty Direct show that, although the Clio has better than average reliability, when things do go wrong, they can be expensive to fix, especially by the standards of rivals, such as the Fiesta and 206. At least Renault dealers have some of the lowest rates.
Tips & Advice
Organise your motoring life
Whether you need to keep tabs on your insurance renewal, sort breakdown cover, or book a service, My What Car? has you covered
Can I buy a car with cash?
Paying cash isn’t always an easy way to a new car – and you may not be able to get the big discounts you might expect
Our recommendations
Which used Renault Clio should I buy?
In April 2001, a revised Clio was introduced, and this is the best version to buy. It has a range of more modern engines, including our favourite, the 1.2 16v. This has a delightfully perky nature that makes the best of the chassis without overtaxing it.
At the same time, the dCi diesels appeared for the first time, and they are markedly better than the unrefined 1.9-litre units they replaced.
Interior quality, too, was improved at this point, as was the standard equipment. Four airbags, remote central locking and ABS became standard, while air-con, alloy wheels and a CD player were fitted on a significant number of models.
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The pick of the many trims is Expression, one step up from the basic Authentique and introduced with the 2001 revisions. This has a sunroof, CD player and height adjustment on the driver's seat. Stepping up to Dynamique adds alloys, while Privilege has air-con, and top-spec Initiale has four electric windows and a powered sunroof.
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Tips & Advice
Avoid ULEZ and clean-air zone fines
If you regularly drive into a clean air zone, you’ll want to ensure your next car is compliant to avoid costly fines
How reliable is the Renault Clio ?
Renault Clio
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Renault Clio
1.2 16v Dynamique 3dr
£450
Renault Clio
1.5 dCi Dynamique TomTom Euro 5 3dr
£594
Renault Clio
1.2 16v Dynamique 3dr
£599
Renault Clio
1.4 16v Expression 5dr
£649
Renault Clio
1.4 16v Dynamique 3dr
£695
Renault Clio
1.2 Dynamique Euro 4 5dr
£699
Renault Clio
1.2 Campus 5dr
£749
Renault Clio
1.2 16v Expression 3dr
£750
Renault Clio
1.2 Campus Sport I-Music 3dr
£790
See all available cars
About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
Follow Stuart Milne on
Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.
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