Skip advert
Advertisement

Used Renault Clio (Mk4, 2012-2019) - What should you look for?

It doesn’t have the greatest reputation for reliability, but the quality has improved over recent years

It has its fair share of problems, but the Renault Clio should be no less reliable than rival superminis of the same age. There are plenty to choose from, so you can afford to be picky, while improvements over the car’s life mean the later cars are better than the earliest models.

Common used Renault Clio problems

Navigation

Advertisement - Article continues below

Standard sat-nav doesn’t allow full postcode searches. An upgrade is less than a fiver, but it’s a fiddly process.

Electrics

Ignition coils can fail, leading to poor running. Replacing the coil for around £40, plus fitting, solves the issue

Tyres

Tyre pressure-monitoring sensors aren’t always very robust; the only option is to replace them.

Sensors

Sensors for the anti-lock brakes can also fail. If there’s a fault it’ll be given away by a warning light on the dash. 

Recalls

Eight recalls is no cause for celebration. Two were for possible front brake hose chafing damage caused by the wheelarch liner. Another was for potential fuel leaks, while wheels falling off prompted two more.

The rear spoiler detaching led to a further campaign, and another recall was because of windscreen wiper defects in sub-zero conditions. The most recent recall was due to the rear seat hinges failing in a crash.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,600
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,211
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025