RENAULT CLIO (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 852 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
852
Avg Mileage
69,470 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,740
Is the 1998 RENAULT CLIO reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the RENAULT brand average of 80%.
At 26 years old, 68% of RENAULT CLIOs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 852 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,470 miles.
How does the 1998 RENAULT CLIO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 RENAULT CLIO has 69,470 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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 1998 sits between the two at 68%.
How much does a 1998 RENAULT CLIO cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
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 1998 RENAULT CLIO
The 1998 RENAULT CLIO is a city car with a 1149cc petrol engine. 852 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 85% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 69,470 miles at 26 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.
1998 RENAULT CLIO Fuel Costs
The modest 1149cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 RENAULT CLIO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,740 (£145/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 1998 RENAULT CLIO
At 26 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 1998 RENAULT CLIO
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+5%) from 8,535 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+21%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (+2%) from 6,792 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2000) 70% pass rate (+2%) from 6,496 tests