The Fluence in 2015 commonly wears Renault’s small diesel units (1.5/1.6 dCi) paired with a manual gearbox — they are frugal on long runs but can develop DPF and EGR soot issues if used mainly for short urban trips. Manual gearboxes are simple and generally durable, but clutch wear is a real possibility on older examples. Parts and servicing are easy to source in Ireland, though the model is not highly prized on the used market so values fall faster than more popular family cars.

• DPF state — ask for evidence of regular long runs or regeneration history; signs of frequent DPF regen errors or limp-mode faults are common on diesels used for short trips.
• EGR and intake soot build-up plus turbo shaft play — heavy soot or a noisy/tight turbo indicates expensive cleaning/repair work.
• Clutch condition and gearbox feel — test for slipping, a high bite point or crunching when changing gears, especially after city use.
• Timing-belt replacement recorded (date and mileage) — if due, it’s a significant service cost on these engines.