RENAULT CLIO (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 10,050 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
10,050
Avg Mileage
87,632 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 2003 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 21 years old, 68% of RENAULT CLIOs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 10,050 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 87,632 miles.
How does the 2003 RENAULT CLIO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 RENAULT CLIO has 87,632 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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 2003 sits between the two at 68%.
How much does a 2003 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 2003 RENAULT CLIO
The 2003 RENAULT CLIO is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 10,050 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 87,632 miles at 21 years old, RENAULT CLIO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 RENAULT CLIO Fuel Costs
The 1998cc 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 2003 RENAULT CLIO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 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 2003 RENAULT CLIO
At 21 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%. With 10,050 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2003 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:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 41,794 tests
- TOYOTA COROLLA (2005) 76% pass rate (+8%) from 19,418 tests
- MERCEDES C (2005) 73% pass rate (+5%) from 17,978 tests