Is the Renault Clio a reliable car? – Analysis and review
Learn more about Renault Clio reliability and how it compares with rivals
‘Are Renault Clios reliable?’ is likely one of the first questions that comes to mind if you’re considering one of these peppy small cars.
A constant on UK roads, the Clio is a practical all-rounder that rivals the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. It’s well-built and dependable, so makes for an ideal daily driver.
Learn more about Renault Clio reliability in our guide.
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Overview of Renault Clio reliability
Renault Clio reliability is something you can count on.
It’s a solid hatchback that benefits from Renault's reliability and brings plenty of safety features, too.
In fact, the Clio received a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2019 – 96% rating for adult occupants and 89% for children.
The Clio offers safety tech such as lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition and emergency brake assist across all the latest model’s trims, while there are also rear parking sensors and a reversing camera on offer.
As standard, Renault offers a three-year warranty across all of its cars. There’s also the option for an extended warranty, or you can choose a cinchCare package if you’re buying a used Renault Clio from us.
All our Clio models are thoroughly inspected by trained technicians and come with a 90-day warranty as standard.
The Clio is a well-loved car across the UK which also means it’s fairly common, so you shouldn’t struggle for parts when it’s time for maintenance.
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Clio reliability compared to rivals
The Renault Clio's main rivals are the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Peugeot 208.
In 2017, the Fiesta was awarded a full five-star Euro NCAP rating but fell slightly behind with an 87% rating for adults and 84% for children.
The Fiesta is known for being a reliable car that’s also easy to maintain because of its popularity.
The Peugeot 208 is another great alternative to the Clio but doesn’t quite match up with its safety offering.
The 208 only scored four stars following its 2019 Euro NCAP safety test, but does offer a 91% adult occupant rating and 86% for children.
Both Renault and Peugeot have a similar reputation for reliability, but some motorists think Renault takes the lead.
Another reliable Clio rival is the trusty Vauxhall Corsa which has always been regarded as a dependable motor.
Unlike the five-star Clio, the Corsa received a four-star Euro NCAP rating in 2019. It scored 84% for adult occupants and 86% for children, so on par with the Fiesta.
If you want to know more about how the Clio measures up to its rivals, take a look at our Clio vs. Fiesta review.
What to look for when buying a used Clio
If you’re thinking about purchasing a used Clio, you’ll first want to make sure you’re shopping with a trusted online dealer or at a reputable showroom.
You can get good deals on used Clio models from private sellers (found on social media or other forums) but these come with fewer reliability guarantees.
If you purchase your used Clio from a reputable source, you’ll usually get a warranty and will have somebody to go back to if there are any unexpected issues with your car.
You may also want to double-check the details of your Clio before you make a purchase. We list important information like mileage and the length of MOT, but you can also check these details on the DVLA website for extra peace of mind.
You can also carry out an HPI check on your Clio to ensure there’s nothing else you need to know. This will flag issues like insurance write-offs or outstanding finance.
We recommend giving the car a good checkover on delivery or when you pick it up. Making sure you’ve had an in-depth look and know the vehicle’s history can help ensure you’re getting a reliable model.
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How to help improve Clio reliability
There are a couple of things you can do to keep your Clio well-maintained and reliable for the long run.
Maintenance is really important – your Clio will give you a much more dependable run if you look after it.
On top of MOTs, it’s also a good idea to take your Clio for regular servicing. It’s not a legal requirement in the UK, but it will keep your Clio in the best condition.
Servicing your car will mean it gets upkeep like oil changes and air filter replacements. Parts prone to wear and tear will also be checked, such as tyres and brakes. This will help you spot issues before they develop.
You can also monitor things like oil and coolant levels between visits to the garage. It’s easy to top these up yourself if you know what you’re doing.
Keep an eye on dashboard lights as well, as these will highlight any issues with your Clio and let you know it’s time for a trip to the garage.
And, although it sounds simple, one of the best things you can do for your Clio is keep it clean. Dirt can lead to rust, and this can lead to further problems.