Renault Clio (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 553 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1783cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1783cc30 years old553 tests74k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1783cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Renault brand average of 80%.

75% of MOT tests on Renault Clios from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 553 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 74,001 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models125th of 243(bottom half)

Rank among Renault models369th of 615(bottom half)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average+0%(75% avg)

vs Renault average-5%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

74,001

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Renault Clio had 74,001 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1996 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Renault Clio by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	89%	100	21,382 mi
2020	91%	179	29,866 mi
2019	85%	26,860	36,462 mi
2018	83%	36,136	42,612 mi
2017	79%	36,292	49,966 mi
2016	75%	43,205	57,120 mi
2015	74%	47,768	65,492 mi
2014	72%	53,587	73,080 mi
2013	73%	40,822	78,551 mi
2012	69%	29,268	78,354 mi
2011	69%	35,754	82,376 mi
2010	69%	47,483	87,399 mi
2009	69%	33,352	88,686 mi
2008	68%	32,831	93,332 mi
2007	68%	41,223	93,129 mi
2006	68%	31,061	93,067 mi
2005	67%	18,423	90,500 mi
2004	68%	15,179	90,784 mi
2003	68%	10,050	87,632 mi
2002	70%	6,573	86,792 mi
2001	69%	3,829	83,579 mi
2000	67%	1,978	82,306 mi
1999	65%	1,795	73,213 mi
1998	68%	852	69,470 mi
1997	65%	456	64,661 mi
1996	75%	553	74,001 mi
1995	76%	553	80,682 mi
1994	78%	432	83,137 mi
1993	75%	167	69,528 mi
1992	69%	97	87,795 mi
1991	87%	30	75,002 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1998 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

75%

same

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

+4%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

same

Nissan Micra

1998 · 1298cc Petrol

£2,383/year

69%

-6%

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About the 1996 Renault Clio

The 1996 Renault Clio is a family car. Our records list a 1783cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 553 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 74,001 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Renault Clio owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1996 Renault Clio Fuel Costs

The 1783cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1996 Renault Clio?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Renault Clio Reliability Trend

Newer Renault Clios pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1996 Renault Clio

At 30 years old, the Renault Clio is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 30 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1996 Renault Clio stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Renault Clio(1996)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1998)	75%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
Nissan Micra(1998)	69%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,383-£178

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1996 Renault Clio

Is the 1996 Renault Clio reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1996 Renault Clios ended in a pass, from 553 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Renault Clio cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Renault Clio?

75% of 553 MOT tests on the 1996 Renault Clio ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 125th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (bottom half).

Which year Renault Clio has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Renault Clio has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 1997 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Renault Clio?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Renault Clio is 74,001 miles, which is significantly below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.