1998 Renault Clio · 1,168 MOT tests
1998 Renault Clio reliability
1998 Renault Clios fail 47.5% of first MOT tests, 45% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 24 Clio years (1,168 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Renault Clios: 43.1%)
- 47.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Renault Clios: 43.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 45% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 60,708
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,168
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 49% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: 45% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 6.9% of tests fail here (199% above cars of the same age and mileage).
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Renault Clio
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics21.4%
- Suspension17%
- Body, chassis and structure14%
- Brakes12.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors12.1%
- Tyres8.3%
- Steering6.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.88%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.79%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 4.54%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.94%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 3.85%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.68%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.82%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (10.79%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (10.62%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.45%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.82%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (8.39%)
Other years
Every Renault Clio year
The full picture: Renault Clio reliability. Before you pay for any Renault Clio, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1998 Renault Clio reliable?
1998 Renault Clios fail 47.5% of first MOT tests, 45% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 24 Clio years (1,168 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Renault Clio MOT?
Most often wiper blade not clearing windscreen (4.88% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.79% of tests), steering rack gaiter no longer sealed (4.54% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Renault Clio have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1998 Renault Clio shows 60,708 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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