Used Renault Clio for sale nearDarlington

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.3%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,700
Average Price: Around £9,800

Renault Clio (2005-2011) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Much bigger and roomier than earlier generations of Clio	Not as reliable as the best Japanese and Korean superminis
Quiet and refined to drive	Renaultsport models are expensive to insure
A safe car by the standards of the day	Clios with automatic gearboxes are thirsty

Quick Summary

The Renault Clio mk3 (2005-2011) marked a significant shift in the Clio's positioning. Heavier and larger than its predecessors, it offered considerably more interior space whilst maintaining stylish looks. The third-generation Clio was better built than earlier models, with Dynamique spec cars and above featuring plusher plastics that gave a more upmarket feel, making it a credible rival for the Volkswagen Polo. Inside, there was enough space for four adults to sit comfortably, and the boot was decently sized. A Sports Tourer estate variant was added a year after launch, though it sold in limited numbers.

The Clio mk3 drove with newfound maturity, offering a quiet and refined experience by supermini standards, with minimal wind and road noise. A 2009 facelift improved interior quality, refreshed styling, and enhanced steering for better driving enjoyment. The dCi 86 Renault eco² diesel achieved an impressive 76.3mpg officially (around 60mpg in reality), whilst the 1.2 TCe petrol managed 42-45mpg. The Renaultsport 197 and 200 hot hatches provided thrilling performance for those prioritising excitement over economy. As a used car, the Clio offers excellent value, particularly when well-maintained.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a spacious, refined, and well-finished supermini; families needing practicality; and those interested in affordable hot hatch thrills (Renaultsport models).

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising Japanese or Korean reliability, those seeking the finest handling dynamics (like a Ford Fiesta), or those wanting premium badge appeal (like a Volkswagen Polo).


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Clio if: You're seeking a spacious, refined, and well-finished supermini on a budget; you need practicality for families or commuters; or you're interested in affordable hot hatch thrills with the Renaultsport models.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise Japanese or Korean reliability, desire the finest handling dynamics, or require premium badge appeal.

Competitive Position: The Renault Clio (2005-2011) strikes an excellent compromise between value and quality in the used supermini market. Whilst it may not match the Ford Fiesta for driving dynamics or the Volkswagen Polo for premium feel, the Clio offers superior roominess, refinement, and excellent value for money. Its well-finished interior, particularly on higher trims, combined with low running costs on diesel variants and solid performance across the range, make it a highly sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers. The Renaultsport variants also provide thrilling performance at an affordable price point.

Read our full Renault Clio Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.