2001 Renault Clio 1.1L Petrol · Y791 CBD

The 1.2 16v petrol Clio is one of the cheaper cars on the road to run day-to-day. Real-world fuel economy typically sits in the 38–45 mpg range, putting annual fuel costs for a low-mileage user at around £800–£1,100 depending on driving style. Road tax for a 2001 petrol of this engine size falls into the cheaper pre-2001-era bands, so VED is minimal at around £170–£190 per year, and the car sits in insurance group 3 or 4, keeping premiums low for most drivers. Parts are inexpensive and widely available through Renault, aftermarket and pattern suppliers.

The bigger concern with a 25-year-old Clio at this mileage is maintenance frequency rather than headline costs. Brake discs and pads, tyres, suspension bushes and ageing rubber components will need regular attention. Expect £250–£400 per year on average for routine wear-and-tear items, plus the risk of occasional larger jobs such as steering rack replacement (£250–£400 including labour) or shock absorbers (£150–£250 per pair fitted). Estimated annual running cost is roughly £900–£1,200 including fuel, tax, insurance and maintenance.

Start with the items flagged in the MOT record: the front brake discs have been flagged as pitted or scored at all three recorded tests (2023, 2024 and 2025), so a thorough check of disc thickness, lipping and pad material is essential — budget for new discs and pads if the seller has not already replaced them. The steering rack inner joint play has been flagged at the 2024 and 2025 tests, so on the road test listen for knocking over bumps and check for excess free play at the wheel; a worn rack on a 90,000-mile-plus Clio is not unusual. The nearside front shock absorber has been flagged with light oil misting in 2025, which will only worsen, so check for dampness around the seal and consider replacement if the car fails the bounce test.

Next, examine the headlamps closely — the November 2025 fail was caused by nearside and offside headlamp aim being too low, plus an offside front position lamp not working. These are simple fixes but a tell-tale sign of age-related lens deterioration and minor electrical gremlins. Inspect the tyres for uneven wear, particularly the nearside rear edge wear noted in 2024 and 2025. Finally, model-specific weak points on the Mk2 Clio of this age include the cam belt (should be replaced every 5 years or 60,000 miles — confirm when it was last done), the throttle potentiometer on early 1.2 16v engines, and front subframe corrosion on cars that have seen salted winter roads. Check the front subframe, jacking points and suspension turrets thoroughly for rust.