Renault Clio (1992) – Enthusiast Wanted

There are a number of things that almost every used car hunter immediately checks when they come across an interesting advertisement. This includes, of course, the price and the mileage, but also the owner and maintenance history, the registration data and the equipment. Because we regularly check many advertisements before making this section, we have now grown a nice used car underbelly – and that immediately gave us a good feeling when we came across this Renault Clio.

The mileage? Less than a ton. Maintenance history? Present. Number of owners? Just one! Quite special, because the Clio dates from the month of August of 1992. That means that we are dealing with a person over 30, who therefore only has to go for the MOT once every two years. What about that apk? Well, the Clio was still inspected in September, so you can certainly drive it for almost two years. You understand: so far it scores points.

The highest equipment level

The Clio is one of the ‘RT’ trim level, which was basically the most luxurious you could get at the time. There were editions – such as the Baccara or Alizé – that had more equipment, but they were based on an RT. A ‘basic RT’ had, among other things, a tachometer, (yellow) fog lights, power steering, central locking (with remote control!), painted bumpers, a split-folding rear seat and a radio with cassette player. The latter is said to be hiding behind the cover that is not open in any of the photos, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it is still there.

Furthermore, the Clio is also in completely original condition. Even the originally delivered and unweathered hubcaps are still on all four, although it seems that one of the four once lost the battle with a curb. Still: digging up a new hubcap is in any case cheaper than having rim damage repaired. The remaining plastic on the outside of the Clio has not withstood the test of time, so if the future buyer wants the car to look really tight, it would have to be repainted.

Polish well and make the plastic dark (or have it made) and the Clio may still be as new.

The interior of the Clio can also use a turn. The seats in particular are pretty gross and somewhat yellowed, but also undamaged. According to the provider, the yellowing does not come from a cigarette-smoking first owner, because the advertisement states that it concerns a non-smoking car. Also nice. The further condition of the car seems neat.

Simple technology, no safety features

Under the Clio’s folding bonnet we find a 1.4-litre four-cylinder with single-point injection and eight valves. Nice and simple, but certainly not inefficient due to the presence of a 5-speed gearbox and injection. In addition, the Clio weighs only 840 kg, so that the 79 horsepower is more than enough and the compact car also lends itself to better throwing and throwing work.

Only if you care about contemporary safety, the Clio is a no-go. ABS, airbags and traction control were far from commonplace at the time and all three are not on it. The notorious corner in which accidents happen is therefore not very small with the Clio and if you are so unfortunate, the risk of injury is greater than in something more modern. Still: the relatively large glass section provides excellent all-round visibility, making defensive driving easier.

If you can do that well, then you will probably have an excellent companion with this Clio. It is equipped with a few modern conveniences, can last for years with any luck, is quite charming in its original state and costs you relatively little in terms of both fixed and variable costs. The good thing: the purchase will not cost you the world either, because the French thirty-something must yield €1,950. Who picks it up?