Going to buy my first car - Renault Clio - What to look out for?

*Kat*

I dont have anyone in my family/friends who knows a great deal about cars, so I'm not really sure what to look out for... I guess mileage, age, previous owners? But I dont know what to look out for on the actual car, rust maybe? Anything else? IDK...

pulliptears

What year are you looking for? Circa 99 models with a sunroof had a tendency to track water down to the multi timer in the passenger footwell, which is around £400 to replace and will first rear its head with electrical problems. Be sure to check all electrics such as indicators, lights, interior light and have a feel around the footwell sides for any damp.

*Kat*

I've been looking at 51 + plates, I have about 1k for the car, and my insurance is only like £700 if I pay it in full, which I think I'll try and do to save more pennies

interstellaflyer

Make sure that you have evidence that the bonnet catch recall work has been done, silly though it may seem, the car will pass the MOT without this paperwork however a colleague of mines daughter was not allowed to take her driving test because they had no paper work to prove that the recall work was done.

s_b

a 51 plate clio will be a shed at this money
you either need to spend more or look at an older reg
clio at a £1000 will be 100,000 mile usually, unless you drop lucky or dodgy dave clocked it
many issues with clios from this era mainly mechanical,electrical,and seats fall to be bits
not a recommended purchase at this banger area im afraid

pulliptears

s_b wrote: »

a 51 plate clio will be a shed at this money
you either need to spend more or look at an older reg
clio at a £1000 will be 100,000 mile usually, unless you drop lucky or dodgy dave clocked it
many issues with clios from this era mainly mechanical,electrical,and seats fall to be bits
not a recommended purchase at this banger area im afraid

Not necessarily. My 99 Clio just flew its MOT with no advisory and has 30k on the clock with FSH. The only issue I have ever had is the multi timer I mentioned above. Its not failed an MOT for about 4 years.

You can drop on reasonable cars that aren't sheds.

s_b

pulliptears wrote: »

Not necessarily. My 99 Clio just flew its MOT with no advisory and has 30k on the clock with FSH. The only issue I have ever had is the multi timer I mentioned above. Its not failed an MOT for about 4 years.

You can drop on reasonable cars that aren't sheds.

a 99 clio is not a 51 plate +
i said go older and you might find a peach among the rotten fruit
what do you value your car at at this moment in time at too?

vax2002

You will Regret buying a Renault !
Do not say we did not warn you.
Common things that go wrong with Renaults: Everything: All of the time

Alias_Omega

51 plate onwards has the newer interior. Should come with 2 keys. Bonnet catch should be fixed by now, if not its a nice easy fix as the fault was that the bonnet batch would de-grease and stuck open/shut when operated.

Some details of the models -

Authentique - Windy from windows, no central locking, wheel trims, no rear head rests.

Expression - Electric Windows/Central Locking (wheel trims)

Dynamique - As above but with alloy wheels, front for lights

Privledge - Old peoples cars


I had a 1.2 16v from new, then the 2.0 16v (Clio 182). Both good cars, and easy to fix.

pulliptears

s_b wrote: »

a 99 clio is not a 51 plate +
i said go older and you might find a peach among the rotten fruit
what do you value your car at at this moment in time at too?

Not a lot to be honest, I guess if I sold it I'd stick £750 on it and hope for the best.

**edit** This is probably the closest to my 1.4RT (mine is the facelift model with alloys as well)I can find, but I think this trader is a little hopeful in his price, that said there seems to be a few around the £1500 mark so maybe I was a bit mean with my price....

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201115384362843/sort/priceasc/maximum-mileage/up_to_40000_miles/fuel-type/petrol/maximum-age/over_10_years_old/model/clio/make/renault/page/1/radius/1500/postcode/st35lg/advert-type/featured-listing/dealer/50173/usedcars?logcode=flp


I'd keep it and run it now anyway, it's not costing me anything really and as long as the costs stay minimal it can stay, as soon as anything major gives up the ghost I'll probably break it for parts.

My bigger worry is accident damage tbh because it will instantly be a write off which is a shame. I think it cost me just under £2k 4 years ago so it's served its purpose at this stage for cheap motoring.

pendulum

Avoid the 1.4 and 1.6, they are bad on petrol but for no real power gain, go with the 1.2 for economy (or the DCI) or spend a bit more and get a Clio 172 for power. I got my 172 for £1400, they are not selling well at the moment.

ClioSport.net - read the Buyer's Guide