RENAULT CLIO (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 553 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Total Tests (2024)
553
Avg Mileage
74,001 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1996 RENAULT CLIO reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 28 years old, 75% of RENAULT CLIOs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 553 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 74,001 miles.
How does the 1996 RENAULT CLIO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 RENAULT CLIO has 74,001 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a RENAULT CLIO?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1996 sits between the two at 75%.
How much does a 1996 RENAULT CLIO cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific RENAULT CLIO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 RENAULT CLIO
The 1996 RENAULT CLIO is a family car with a 1783cc petrol engine. 553 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 74,001 miles at 28 years old, 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1996 RENAULT CLIO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 RENAULT CLIO
At 28 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%.
Alternatives to the 1996 RENAULT CLIO
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1998) 75% pass rate (same) from 8,017 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+4%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (same) from 5,268 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1998) 69% pass rate (-6%) from 4,351 tests