Not too sure about problems with steering etc but if I was buying another one id spend at least an hour checking the following.
Take the car out and get your foot down a bit, get in 4th or 5th and see if the car pulls away smoothly at low speeds, if there is any slipping of the clutch this is a huge job, not much change from £500
Start the car up a few times, make sure the starter motor sounds like it is working fine, not hesitating or sticking etc.
Let the engine get warm and turn on the heater. It should be nice and warm, if it is not a new heater matrix is needed and this is another costly job.
Check the gearbox. Ensure it isnt sticky or there is any difficulty engaging gears. These boxes arent very durable and are always going wrong.
Jack the rear of the car up and turn the back wheels manualy. For some reason the rear calipers have a habit of seizing so make sure the rear wheels turn easily.
Turn the steering wheel a few times, the wheels should turn freely, if they dont or there is excessive noise then the steering pump is on its way out, another costly job.
When driving put all the appliances within the car on, heater, rear window, lights etc and check the battery light. If is comes on the alternator is going.
Im sure there are more things to look out for than this but Ive learned all this from owning one, and if you get a clio that hasnt been looked after, expect huge garage bills.
