The Renault Clio II is a versatile city car that marked a major turning point for Renault in terms of comfort, safety, and road handling. Marketed from 1998 to 2012 (until 2016 in some emerging markets under the names Clio Campus, Storia, or Symbol/Thalia), it underwent several evolutions: Phase 1 (1998-2001) with rounded lines, Phase 2 (2001-2003) with a redesigned front end, a higher quality interior, and the introduction of multiplexing, Phase 3 (2003-2006) with minor touch-ups, and finally the Campus/Storia (2006-2012) versions which coexisted with the Clio III. On the used car market, the Clio II is a polarizing choice: its petrol engines (our focus here) are generally very robust and economical, while its early diesel engines (1.5 dCi) were plagued by catastrophic breakdowns. It is a
The Renault Clio II is an excellent used car provided you choose a petrol engine. The 1.2 (60 hp and 75 hp) units are true workhorses, indestructible and perfect for daily use at minimal cost. The 1.4 and 1.6 16v offer more versatility but require particular attention to ignition and timing. On the other hand, 1.5 dCi diesel versions before 2006 are absolutely to be avoided due to the risk of destruction of the injection system (metal filings). Opt for a Phase 2 or 3 (after 2001) petrol model to benefit from a better level of safety (ABS as standard, better crash tests) while accepting a few minor electronic quirks.